Ready to Return  January 15th

Tomorrow I head back up to school for the second semester. I know that many of you have long since been back with the books, but a long winter break is one of the joys (well, that can be argued) of being a college student on a typical semester schedule. I was mentally ready to return about two weeks ago, so now that it’s time, I’m pretty excited. I packed up my suitcase last night, so once I do a last-minute load of laundry tonight, all of my clothes will be ready to go. I still have some things to do before I leave though, like pack up my old textbooks that I think might be useful this semester. (By that, I just mean my organic chemistry books, since I anticipate being in an orgo lab for research this semester.) I’m also going to raid the house for small kitchen appliances that I know we own but never, ever use—like our quesadilla maker. Someone might as well use them, right?

One of the reasons I’m excited to go back to school is to see everyone again. At this point, I feel pretty far detached from most of the people I was friends with in high school; honestly, I’ve only really kept in touch with a couple people. I’ve made some great friends in college so far, and I look forward to seeing them again. This past semester, I’ve started to hang out more with people who are in my major, and I’m really happy about that. Obviously, as part of Alpha Chi Sigma, I do a lot of stuff with science-oriented people, but I’ve begun to spend time with some of the brothers as well as non-brother chem or biochem majors outside of class and AXΣ, too. While it’s wonderful to be friends with people outside of chemistry as it gives me a break from it whether not I need one, it’s also great to be friends with people who are in it with me—people who truly understand both the joys and miseries we experience as science majors. I just can’t wait to see everyone again and have a good time.

I’m also looking forward to my classes, too. Of course I’ve always loved school, but I think some of my classes will be really interesting this semester. There is some nerd content ahead, so if you really want me to cut to the chase, then here ya go—I think my academics are going to be a fun time. Here’s what I’m taking this semester:

  • Physical Chemistry II – First of all, the same professor who taught Physical Chemistry I last semester is teaching this one, and I really love him. He’s a nice, adorable grandpa-like figure, and he says some funny things sometimes. (“If you don’t believe in the second law [of thermodynamics], then you can’t be in this class.”) The course content should be pretty interesting, too.
  • Physical Chemistry II Lab – This class will not be taught by the same professor as last semester, which automatically makes it better than PChem I Lab.
  • Organic Spectroscopy – I’m really excited for this class. Basically, we’re going to learn about different techniques that allow us to learn more about the structures of organic molecules. You know MRI, the imaging technology they might use on you at the hospital? Well, that is essentially the same technology as NMR, which is one of the things we’re studying.
  • Study of Teaching – This is my education course, if you couldn’t figure that out. Our field placements are in the suburbs for this class, and I’m pretty excited about that. I’m more interested in teaching in the suburbs when I become a teacher for realz, so naturally I’m looking forward to heading out to the ‘burbs.
  • Romanesque Art – Although I don’t have a strong interest in the Romanesque period, the instructor for this class is supposed to be pretty cool. She’s originally from Spain, so that’s awesome.

11 Comments

  1. Dayze says:

    Back in Uni, we had a pretty screwed up timetable. It differs from other Unis so when we’re having a break, the others weren’t. I didn’t really get to see much of my friends who were in a different Uni when they’re on hols and were back home. It’s pretty sad :( We didn’t have a winter break as well since there wasn’t winter to begin with lol.

    I would always feel excited when it comes to going back to Uni because it meant seeing my boyfriend again. My home is in the East and his on the West and we’re separated by the South China Sea every hols. I never bring my text books back home though, it would mean extra kilos and that’s not a good thing if you’re flying D:

    It’s great that you’re spending time with people who are in the same major, I guess when it comes to homework, assignments and whatnots, you know that there are people who are willing to lend a hand :)

    Romanesque Art sounds like an interesting subject! I wish they had something similar back then and I would totally take it :(

    Have a great, first day of school! :)

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  2. Catherine says:

    I wish I could be excited for school, lol xD I wish I could have a long holiday -_-

    Like you though, I usually do look forward to seeing friends and having jokes and being with my class and stuff, that’s the only good thing about school.

    That’s great that you’ve started to meet more people ^.^ I love meeting new people and making new friends. Have a good first day of schooool! :)

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  3. Holly says:

    Sounds like a good timetable! :) LOL at the GrandpaLecturer!

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  4. Sophia says:

    I just finished my mid terms, I still have 2 or 3 weeks to go. I actually envy you, I can’t believe how you get excited or “prepared” for school, that never ever happens to me. But I’m planing on being more active in the 2nd semester, that means being prepared but i don’t know I eventually get lazy. I’ll make sure i won’t this time though. It’s great that you get everything prepared though!

    The only thing that gets me a little bit okay about school were my friends but not anymore. last year was just awesome, I guess you can’t have it for long. I don’t know what happened but everything just shattered away. I don’t think high school friends last anyway. You’re social to meet different people whether from your major or not, I don’t do that! lol

    I can’t believe you’re looking forward for classes, especially Physical Chemistry II, my two most hated subjects combined, no offense of course lol.

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    Eudes's Reply:

    High school friendships are really unforgettable, Sophia. Try to keep whatever you can. And Physical Chemistry is a problem, in fact, in many countries(kkkkkkkkkkkkk).
    Here in Brazil students have the same problem.

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  5. Oh my goodness, that looks like a tough schedule. But I definitely admire your positive outlook and good luck for your spring semester!

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  6. Alex says:

    For your study of teaching class do you actually get to try working at a school in a classroom, or will that be part of your college curriculum later on? Your physical chem class sounds really interesting! I just finished studying chemistry in school, and it was a really good class. The teacher was good too, which definitely helped.

    Why do you stop keeping in touch with people from high school? Are the people you keep in touch with your best friends? I hope I still connect with people when I graduate, but I feel like the next time I’ll talk to most of them will be at some reunion.

    I really hope that I can go to lots of college visits, but it’s so hard to travel out of state. You’re lucky your perfect college was near you!

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  7. Shelly says:

    Physical Chemstry is supposed to be brutal, or so I’ve heard. I haven’t taken a course in physical chemistry but I’m not really sure if that’s the area of chemstry I’d like. =P I’m more of an organic chemstry type person. Your Organic Spectroscopy sounds really interesting though – I freakin kicked ass at NMR. It’s one of the things I got really excited about in class because I was an extreme nerd. =P I’m taking a similar education course as you – mine is literacy & societal development but we also have a fieldwork component. I get to teach (play) with little preschoolers because that’s my favorite age-group. ^^

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  8. Eudes says:

    Hi, Erin!
    I’m a brazilian chem teacher and interested at how is education courses in other countries.
    You’re a very talented girl and your impressions must be interesting.
    If you have some time, I hope we can change some experience.
    Eudes

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  9. Morgan says:

    Wow! Cute layout! :) I love the color scheme. Oh, and your site name is really cute, too!

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  10. Aidan says:

    Good luck with your studies – this is the first time I have not had any classes in a few years. I am enjoying the break, yet feel empty with out all the added pressures that working full time and going to school can do to me! :)

    [Reply]

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