Organically Overcoming Chemistry by Adara

Organically Overcoming Chemistry by Adara - April 2019 Scholarship Essay

When I initially began taking Organic Chemistry, I struggled with the class in numerous ways. Prior to the course, I completed other chemistry classes without much issue, but this class felt like a big step up. I had trouble understanding some concepts, and even when the information presented made sense, the amount of memorization and application required often felt overwhelming. I became increasingly tired and stressed which only made things more difficult. However, by finding new ways to review and study, and by setting enough time aside to also have fun and relax, I was able to get a better handle on the class and it became much more manageable.

One of the first steps I took to conquer my challenge was to begin attending weekly review sessions for the class. These sessions helped me retain information longer and allowed me to step back and assess the concepts as a whole rather than hyperfocusing on one topic at a time. I also began using online tutoring to enhance my understanding of the material. Having concepts explained differently was often very helpful.

Despite my improvement in performance, studying, reviewing, and learning concepts online took up much of my time and I remained stressed and tired. I realized that I needed to take some time for myself to be with friends, have fun, and relax. After I started implementing that habit, I found that I was less stressed, had more energy, and could study more efficiently.

By reflecting on my struggles in the class and adapting accordingly, I was able to not only overcome the challenges I faced and turn a very difficult class into one that was still challenging but manageable, but also grew as a person and became better at dealing with challenges overall. As Michelangelo once stated, "I am still learning", and I'm certain I'll continue to struggle, learn, and overcome during my years in college.