Year 1: Reflection by Devin

Year 1: Reflection by Devin - August 2022 Scholarship Essay

As a second year college student, I have found that it is very easy to feel like a number at school. Resources are available, but it can feel like there isn't enough time or support to become connected to your university. As someone who has enjoyed learning a variety of topics across multiple disciples, I have found it hard to continue exploring topics of interest because of the rigor of my chemistry major. Although college can sometimes be isolating or stressful; I have set myself an academic goal – to go to at least one office hours meeting for all of my professors at UCI.

I have found that the connections I have formed with peers have been an integral part of my success in college. Despite that, as a chemistry major, my coursework is very limited in providing a diverse set of perspectives to explore our curriculum since our classes are very prescribed and rigid. I have come to realize that every professor I have met is passionate about their field for a different reason. I have not yet fully taken advantage of the insight and mentorship from the diverse group of staff that I have the honor of being taught by. The professors I will have over the next 3 years are contributors to my future degree in chemistry. I now understand the value of their words not just as teachers, but also as mentors, which is why I plan to seek them out during my own personal time to learn from them and how they have become successful, well rounded individuals, as well as teachers at my esteemed institution.

Although this is not a traditional academic goal like shooting for a 4.0 GPA, a textbook cannot teach you how to traverse the academic and professional world. Over the course of the next 3 years, I will talk to every professor I have, regardless of their field of study because the experience that they can share with me the skills that have allowed them to progress into a field they are passionate about and how I can reach my goal of becoming a forensic scientist.

This goal will not be all too simple. Although the premise of going to office hours is simple, it requires the courage to be scrutinized by professors, especially those who dont believe in you or feel as though you are underperforming compared to your peers. Despite this, I believe that grit will set me apart from other student in my courses. I do not need to be the best in the room, but I need to do my best and be comfortable to reach out to my professors for guidance and support.

I believe that a byproduct of my interaction with my professors is a greater respect for the content I am learning. This will lead me to becoming an even more motivated student. As a result, these dialogues will help me maintain strong grades and allow myself to stay in touch with the content I am learning and its relevance to my education.

After competing my first year at UCI, I felt like I had not fully taken advantage of the great professors that I was being taught by, partially due to the sheer size of classes I took. I have decided that being proactive and seek out my professors, which will greatly improve my attitude toward my education and further motivate me to succeed. I understand that my journey to receiving my degree will be challenging, but I know that taking the time to find supportive role models in the field that I am looking to pursue is invaluable.