It is fascinating to read the debate about who is or is not a Meteorologist.

Of course those who crunched through the math-physics will whine about those who took the MSU program. The bottom line though, is that so much of the academic aspect of meteorology is not needed in television "weathercasting."

A person should be labeled a Meteorologist if he/she has taken the adequate coursework (four years at FSU or a couple at MSU) and has a genuine love of weather. And that should be combined with some real time forecasting with a high degree of accuracy. A weather bimbo, whether from FSU or MSU is NOT a Meteorologist!

Let's not get bogged down in "labels." We can argue about the label of Meteorologist all day. And if the truth be known, anyone can master any subject by either 1) getting a four year degree, or 2) learning on their own. A person does not need a $50,000 piece of paper to be an expert. A library card can be just as good a ticket.

I am not a Meteorologist, and my degree is in communications. I am a reporter now, but planning to enroll in the MSU program. I have loved weather since before the age of ten. By studying the subject on my own, I can look at any model, any chart, any piece of data or discussion, and carry on a discussion that gets as intellectual as anyone would like. But I fully expect to combine that enthusiasm, with a piece of paper, and my eight years of on-air talent to be the best Meteorologist one day in the not too distant future.

The label Meteorologist carries a lot of weight, deserves much respect. But going to "the right school" should not dictate who is and who isn't. It should go to those with a real love of the science, who have been trained, and want to share their expertise with the real world.

If you look at the "academic" type meteorologists, yes, they are smart, but boring! And in the business of television weather, the experts who people trust and respect should be personable and have the know-how.

Let's not get bogged down in labels. Lets focus on the weather, saving lives, and getting people in tune with the natural world around them. Meteorology as a science doesn't have to be dry and academic. It can be fun.

Lets cut the childish whining about who did more math, and do what we love to do!

Name withheld