Why Is Physics So Fascinating to Me?

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The discussion centers around a college freshman's anxiety about articulating their passion for physics during a conversation with a professor about a potential research position. The individual expresses a deep interest in the subject but struggles to convey their enthusiasm without trivializing it. They seek advice on how to effectively communicate their interest and manage their social anxiety. Responses emphasize that it is acceptable to describe physics as "cool" and that many people share similar feelings about their interests. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity in expressing one's passion, suggesting that genuine enthusiasm can resonate more than overly complex descriptions.
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Hi all,

So I have a seemingly trivial problem. I'm a freshman in college right now and I'm going to be talking to a professor about a possible research position. I'm honestly extremely interested in the research he's doing and I love physics and am completely devoted to it.
The problem is that I have no idea how to put in words why I'm interested in physics. I just am. I feel like so many people say that it's "beautiful" or "cool," but if I describe physics that way, I feel like I'm trivializing physics to a game that I don't take seriously. I'm probably going to be asked why I'm interested in his research in particular, in addition to several other things. I'm generally pretty anxious about social interactions, and I feel so uncomfortable with the possibility that I won't know what to say and that I'll end up seeming not only socially incompetent but also not genuinely interested in his work.

I'm not sure exactly what I'm asking for other than advice about what I might say or perhaps simply how to stop taking what I say so seriously. Help? :/
 
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A lot of people are like this, believe it or not. It's perfectly fine to say you enjoy learning about something because it's "cool". If it's cool, it's cool. I mean, really, why does ANYONE study physics other than because it's cool?
 
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