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Volume CXXXIII, Number 2 |
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The work is temporary, but the education will last
KATHERINE HAYES
CONTRIBUTOR
I am writing this as much for myself, as for the first-years, as well as for the seniors, and anyone else who feels like the relentless "to do" list will never be completed. This semester I'm taking organic chemisty. Everyone that I know who has ever taken a college level organic chemistry class either hated it, or loved it, with the former comprising the overwhelming majority. I was hoping to be one of the few lucky ones who loved it. However, a week into the class, I can't say that I'm in love with atomic orbitals, and the work is hardly anything to get excited about.
Looking for inspiration, my grandfather (having survived organic chemistry here over fifty years ago) advised me, "Yes, it's hard. But you can do it. If you want it badly enough." And so I think to myself, do I want this? Do I want to be sitting in the library on a Saturday afternoon memorizing structures? Do I want to be in my room at midnight drawing Carbon bonds, before an eight o'clock lab the next morning? When I have read the chapters, taken the tests, passed in the homework, and finally after much hard work and focus, survived the semester, I will realize that I must have wanted it in the first place. This is precisely why I'm making a resolution for the semester: keep things in perspective. And I encourage you all to do the same. Because really, this article has nothing to do with organic chemistry, or science classes in general. All courses, regardless of their department, are challenging and each is accompanied with their own frustrations and hurdles to overcome. But I don't think any student can deny that once you've completed a course, whether you hated it or loved it, you feel a sense of accomplishment. And this sense of accomplishment will surely resonate as you receive your grade report at the end of the semester, your diploma at the end of four years, or your acceptance to graduate school somewhere down the road. So for right now, when the going gets tough, remember that the tough is worth the effort. And you'll be a better person for it, in the end.
I am writing this as much for myself, as for the first years, as well as for the seniors, and anyone else who feels like the relentless "to do" list will never be completed. I admit feeling a little bit hypocritical writing this because even for me, frustration often overrides the thought of looking back at the moment and feeling like I've completed something. But this is precisely why I am putting it in writing. I am making a promise to myself to keep in mind that not only will there be an end, and a purpose to it all, but there will be fun to be had in the meantime. Classes are important and your education is invaluable, but maintaining your sanity is essential. So as you work hard, remember to breathe and have faith that you're working towards something, not just working. And one day you'll see that it was worth it.
The sister of a friend who recently graduated as a molecular biology major, shared some of her hindsight with me: "A wise friend of mine and I had this exchange once: 'this too shall pass' ... 'and so shall we.' Don't worry: chemistry misery is temporary. Tragically the grades do stick around, I won't deny it, but science happiness is forever! Good luck."
Now I am wishing you all the luck in maintaining this outlook: the work
is temporary, but the happiness of an education will last forever.
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