Hello everyone, my name is Derek Bendell. Wrapping up my AS in Civil Engineering this term in SW FL. Going to be getting a B.S. from University of FL in Geomatics, beginning there next Fall. Grew up in ND & MN. I've been working outdoors my whole life and I've been working on field crews doing private sector stuff and now DOT work as well. Certified UAS Pilot looking forward to learning a lot more and applying knowledge while building up my experience.
Joined the Forum hoping to extract as much value from experienced member's posts as possible. Not sure I can contribute a lot, but I really enjoy reading members thoughts on discussions. Trying to absorb information and ideas in this field is just one element of my objective to join other licensed survey pros one day. Thanks. - Derek
You are so incredibly lucky as to have a resource such as this at your fingertips. We crusty old veterans had to learn stuff the hard way...........the school of hard knocks and the rare textbook found written in the 20th century. Try to enjoy the fun parts of the discussion here as much as the hardcore technical threads. Life is too short to be serious all of the time.
Howdy D Bendell,
Welcome to the site.
As the old saying goes if you find the right occupation you will never work a day in your life. Hope this proves true for you.
Welcome, Derek! I'm also in SW Florida... Ft Myers area.
Welcome D from Orlando World. 😎
Thanks guys. Since 2010 I've been in Ft. Myers from the Twin Cities, MN. Enjoying fun evening classes after work at FSW & FGCU.(Insert sarcasm.) Looking forward to the end of the term already and duck season...
😎
Derek,
Did you know that the Lee Collier chapter of FSMS has a scholarship that will help with your expenses at UF?? Shoot me an email and let's see if we can get you set up!
Thanks Andy - Yes I did know that. I've had a lot of irons in the fire so I hadn't worked on that yet. Went to the conference in Naples last month for some classes, but haven't done anything to begin that process. I planned on seeing if I was a candidate but I'm still wrapping up loose ends to get into the program. Had a couple required classes to complete unfortunately. Some of the many credits I already had weren't part of the per-requisites for the program even though I have a Florida AA. I'll be in pretty okay shape to get that cooking by Christmas time. Shoot you an email soon. Thanks again. - Derek
Sorry I missed you there! I only went to play drums and drink beer. I didn't go to any classes! Please send me an email, no sense in skipping out on free money. It comes from the Carl E. Johnson (no relation) estate.
