You knew it wasn't going to be easy. The long nights, the brutal curves. Everyone told you, "I hope you know what you're getting into." Of course, the classes are hard -- you're at Berkeley after all. Nevertheless, the sheer idea that the material we're learning in class could save a life later on makes every college struggle worth the trouble.
Oh well. No pain, no gain, am I right?
1. Chem freaking 1A.
Chem 1A is ridiculously interesting, but it’s also ridiculously hard. The material is challenging; after all, you’re at UC Berkeley (and ranked #1 in Chemistry, last time I checked). But, if I hear the words “delocalized pi bond” one more time, my brain will explode.
Nothing sure says “Monday morning” like your Chemistry professor starting off a lecture by saying, “My name is Bond... Hydrogen Bond…”
2. When someone asks what you’re majoring in, you instinctively answer “Oh, I’m pre-med!” even though “pre-med” is a professional track, not a major.
Mainly because your prerequisite courses take up more of your schedule than the classes from your actual major. 4 semesters of chemistry, 2 semesters (preferably more) of biology, 2 semesters of math, 2 semesters of physics, 2 semesters of English, 2 recommended semesters of psychology and sociology… The list goes on and on.
3. You hate it when people ask you why you can’t skip studying just this once.
I HAVE A MIDTERM ON MONDAY, DAMN IT. LEAVE ME BE.
4. Because, all of a sudden, you have no free time.
It’s so bad that I have to skip my Chemistry lecture just so I can study more for the Chemistry midterm on the next day.
5. And, now, you’re starting to develop a caffeine addiction.
You’re looking at your credit card bill, and you’ve spent more than you should on Starbucks. You spend more time at your local coffeeshop than you do in your own home.
6. But, no matter how brutal the curve was on that last math midterm, you enjoy every minute of it.
It’s a long long ride, but once you see that smile on your patient’s face? So worth it.
