Chemistry's chain reaction by Lucas

Chemistry's chain reaction by Lucas - February 2025 Scholarship Essay

Ever since I was a kid, science was just fun. My mom would bring home these experiment kits, and we’d dive right in, making things bubble, change colors, and explode (in a safe way, of course). The foam explosion experiment was hands-down my favorite. Watching the chemicals mix and expand felt like magic, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I didn’t realize it then, but those experiments sparked something bigger in me—a love for chemistry. Unlike reading, which always felt like an uphill battle because of my dyslexia, science just made sense. It didn’t have the stumbling blocks that reading did, and it gave me a way to really shine.

Those early experiments weren’t just about cool reactions; they were about discovery. My mom would explain what was happening, and even though I didn’t fully understand the science at first, I was hooked. In school, chemistry became my thing. It wasn’t just another subject—it was the one that clicked. While reading assignments felt like a struggle, chemistry gave me confidence. I could mix substances, observe changes, and actually see the results. That hands-on aspect was everything for me.

As I got older, I started to see chemistry everywhere—in the food I ate, the way things burned, even in sports drinks and workout supplements. It wasn’t just a class; it was real life. Every experiment made me more curious about how things worked, and I loved being able to figure things out. Science was never just about memorizing facts—it was about testing, experimenting, and making discoveries on my own. That’s what made it so exciting.

Even though I’m considering becoming an electrician, chemistry still plays a role in how I think. Whether it’s understanding how different materials react, learning about electrical currents, or figuring out the best ways to problem-solve on the job, that curiosity from my science experiments sticks with me. I learned early on that learning isn’t just about sitting and reading—it’s about doing. And that’s something I’ll carry with me no matter where I go.

Looking back, those small kitchen experiments weren’t just fun activities—they shaped the way I learn and the way I see the world. My mom’s encouragement and those hands-on experiences gave me a love for discovery and problem-solving. Science gave me a place to thrive, even when other subjects felt impossible. That’s something no textbook could ever teach, and it’s a lesson I’ll always be grateful for.