This isn't an article about the concepts I've learned in orgo so far. Everyone science major at Rutgers (and other institutions for that matter) has HATED the "Organic Chemistry" course. Honestly, I've heard more bad things than good about it. Some people have been super dramatic about it (i.e. "NO MEDICAL SCHOOLS WILL WANT ME WITH A C IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY), some people have been quite chill about it (i.e. "if I fail... I fail. Who cares?") and some people, like my beloved roommate, have given honest opinions about the class (i.e. "If you put the work in, you'll get a good outcome").

So why is organic chemistry so hard for some people to grasp? In my opinion, it's because really understanding the material is a huge part of the class. So many times, throughout college and high school, the courses we've taken have just been easy based on pure memorization. Other times, it's pure calculation that you can use a formula sheet for and just "plug and chug." But with orgo, you can't just find the numbers you need in the problem and plug it into an equation, or memorize what a 1,3-dimethylcyclohexanol is. You literally have to understand all of the concepts and apply your knowledge to the questions you're given. So here are a few more things I've learned (and am still learning) since taking Organic Chemistry here at Rutgers:

1. It's not as bad as you think

Just like anything that's difficult or challenging in your life, if you put in work, then you will get a good outcome. But it's not just about putting in HOURS of mindless work. You can't sit at the library for hours while trying to study for this class, squeeze in another episode of How To Get Away With Murder, and talk to your friends all at the same time. You need to make quality alone time and spend it with your books and literally get to know them. I'm serious. If you put the RIGHT work in, a good outcome will almost always come out of it.

Now granted, I haven't even taken the first exam yet, but this time last week, I was so lost. I didn't know the nomenclature, I was behind on lecture, and I was already settled on failing the first exam. But after putting some work in to really understand the concepts, I can (safely) say that I know what I'm doing now. Only the first exam will tell.

2. Just because you don't get Orgo, it doesn't mean you're dumb

I've seen so many EXTREMELY smart people get below the averages on the exams... and the averages are already extremely low. Don't get discouraged if you're not getting the material right away or if you're not doing as well as you want to. I feel like at so many institutions, people stress that you have to be the "perfect" student to make it in the world, but this isn't always the case. Sometimes it's not about the outcome, but what you learned while getting there. You don't have to be the perfect student... in fact, orgo won't really matter to you that much in 10+ years. Don't sweat it.

3. Don't let your pride get the best of you

Now for all of those who DO get orgo right off the bat... props to you, but you're no Einstein. I recently went to a church sermon with my friends and the topic was about "pride" and how it hinders us. I'm not going to preach the whole thing, but basically, your pride can destroy you. I've seen it happen with my friends, with people around me, and even with me. You know when you think you know everything so you kind of "chill"? You know when you do really well on that first exam so you don't study for the second? What usually happens is that you completely bomb it. Even if you are the smartest person in the class, you still should study your ass off because these concepts aren't easy to grasp. Your pride is your worst enemy. Don't let it fool you into thinking you don't have to put work in.

4. At the same time, don't be a slave to your stress

It's the same the other way around, too. Let's say you're not prideful, but you have high test anxiety or get stressed out about school easily. The stress that comes from trying to do well in orgo will literally feed off of your soul and ruin you. That sounds like an exaggeration, but it's true. If you're stressed out 24/7, it's detrimental to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Make sure you're keeping your stress in check.

For me personally, I lowkey like being stressed because it pushes me to work harder. But that's only to a certain extent. Once I reach the threshold of stress, I start breaking down, which isn't fun for anyone.

Orgo is just ONE class in the whole scheme of things that'll happen in your life. You will be okay. You will find success. You will reach your endeavors.

5. You learn how to study correctly and manage your time accordingly

After a lot of trial and error, you'll learn which study techniques are best for you, and you can use that. In the long run, it will help you with your future studies or work habits. Like I said, orgo is a totally different ball game — it's not just memorization. You actually have to understand the concepts, and the best way to do that is the best way YOU know how. Whether it's doing practice exams, reading the textbook, staying awake during lecture, or going to office hours, you'll learn what method is best for you. You'll also learn that maybe you shouldn't watch that extra episode of America's Next Top Model. You'll become the master of studying on the bus, studying in the dining halls, studying in the communal showers (LOL). You'll literally learn that sometimes taking a night off from hanging out with your friends and just studying can help you a lot.

6. We're all in this together

It's not every man for himself anymore. Guys, if you want to succeed in orgo, you need to make friends with those around you and reach out for help when you need it. This is a whole group effort and we can't leave our peers to drown. Help whenever you can, ask questions, and break out of your shell. Be friends with someone in your class and make sure you get their number.

Iron sharpens iron, just as peers can help peers. We're supposed to be helping each other in these endeavors. And I guarantee you that when you make a new friend and both of you do well together, you'll be happier for you and for them.

#IStandWithOrgo