Being a college student is an exciting but challenging phase of life. From meeting new people, exploring new interests, and gaining knowledge, there are many things to look forward to in college. However, college life also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when studying science.
As a full-time student pursuing a biology degree, I am no stranger to the struggles of balancing academics and work. In my Gen Chem 2 class, the challenges are even greater. I already even took an ACS practice exam to help prepare for finals. In this article, I will discuss some of the struggles I face as a college student studying science, particularly in my chemistry class, and how I am trying to overcome them.
Balancing Work and School
One of the biggest challenges I face as a college student is balancing work and school. Like many students, I have a part-time job to help pay for tuition, textbooks, and other expenses. While having a job is necessary, it can also be a major source of stress and distraction.
Trying to balance a part-time job with a full course load is not an easy feat. In addition to attending lectures, studying, and completing assignments, I also have to worry about my work schedule. Some days, I have to work late or early, which can interfere with my study time. As a result, I often find myself studying late into the night or waking up early to get some extra work done.
Struggling with Chemistry
Out of all the science classes I have taken, chemistry is by far the most challenging. Gen Chem 2 is particularly difficult because it covers a lot of material, from thermodynamics and kinetics to acid-base equilibria and electrochemistry. Each topic is complex and requires a lot of time and effort to understand.
One of my biggest struggles in chemistry is keeping up with the pace of the class. We cover a lot of material in a short amount of time, which can be overwhelming. Additionally, chemistry requires a lot of memorization, which can be challenging for me. While I enjoy learning about chemical reactions and how they relate to the world around us, it can be difficult to remember all the details.
Striving for an A
As a student, I am always striving to do my best and achieve good grades. While I am passing my chemistry class, I am struggling to maintain an A. It can be discouraging to put in a lot of effort and still not achieve the grade I want.
To improve my grades in chemistry, I have been seeking help outside of class. I attend office hours and tutoring sessions to get extra help with the material. I also try to study regularly and break down the material into smaller, more manageable chunks. This helps me to better understand the material and remember the details.
Conclusion
College life is not easy, especially when studying science. Balancing work and school can be challenging, and chemistry classes can be particularly difficult. However, with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, I believe that anything is possible.
If you are struggling in college, don’t be afraid to seek help. Talk to your professors, attend office hours, and take advantage of tutoring services. Additionally, make sure to take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when needed. Remember, college is a journey, and it is important to enjoy the ride while striving for success.
