Dearest friend, if you're reading this, then I assume you're like me- a science major of some sort. Whether it be in biology, chemistry, nursing, pre-med, pre-vet, pre-physical therapy, pre-dental...whatever the case is, you understand. To those of you tuning in out of curiosity, allow me to disclose the woes of being a science major.
Don't get me wrong, I love my major and wouldn't change it for the world. But as a biology major tailored to that of the pre-veterinary medicine track, there are many hardships to go through in order to graduate and get into that dream graduate/pre-professional school.
1. Conflicts. Everywhere.
You may think your semester's schedule will be peachy perfect, and everything will fall into place, and la-di-da...wrong. As a science major, especially those in a pre-professional track, we tend to have to take at least 2 lab science classes per semester just to *hope* to graduate on time. And with classes with labs, time conflicts are a trend, and the bane of my existence. Whoever thought that it was a wonderful idea to have lab only Monday-Thursday was wrong. Friday labs should be a thing too...it would help out with time conflicts.
Speaking of labs...
2. Lab. Need I say more?
Labs, especially chemistry labs, can take forever and a day. Hours and hours of your life will be spent wearing long pants, and closed toed shoes, and those nifty "stylish" googles, while cutting things open, mixing chemicals, and more. Sometimes you'll have time for food, other times you won't. Sometimes you'll get out early, other times you'll be in there til dark. And don't even mention lab practicals...that's enough to make anyone shudder.
3. Studying.
I can't even begin to tell you the numerous sleepless nights I've had with my friends due to studying for the next immunology, genetics, chemistry, etc. test. Maybe a ten minute cat nap or two, but then right back to studying and calling out material in the hopes of passing. I know, cramming the day before sucks, but when you're a science major, sometimes that's the only time you have to study after all other courses are taken into account. And don't even try to wing it, because most of the time that isn't going to cut it.
4. Lunch? You're funny.
As it turns, most science classes are scheduled for the morning-midafternoon times which means, for the most part, many of you will have to skip lunch. So be prepared to grab a snack from the POD or food from your dorm into class to keep those munchies at ease. Note-taking on an empty stomach is no fun.
5. Overloading.
Sometimes with how classes fall each semester, there will be a need for an overload just to get everything in to graduate on time without having to take the dreaded victory lap. This requires extra hours of hard work or, if there's an overlap of classes preventing this overload to work, maybe even giving up your summer just to not be behind. It sucks, I know. Trust me, I haven't had a free summer without having to take extra classes since I graduated high school. I feel your pain but I also know that it's doable and totally worth it in the end. You'll want to throw a fit, but just keep your eye on the prize: that shiny degree.
6. "Screw it. I'm changing my major."
Oh, the words you'll spout when the going gets tough. My friends and I have threatened to change our major or drop out multiple times when our stress levels were on edge. It's common to happen. That lab you spent 3 hours working with didn't come out as it should? That chemistry mechanism you've fought with for hours was completely wrong? You bombed that test you were sure you had aced? Oh yeah, that's enough to make anyone yell out in anger. Some people follow through with it if their heart really isn't in it anymore, but for others it's just to relieve anger. Heck, I haven't spent 3 years of my life studying hard and completing these classes just to throw it all away and start over. Yes, my classes make me angry and frustrated sometimes, but it's just jabber. Just something every science major deals with.
7. Define "free time"
You mean that thing where you can do whatever you want without a care in the world about any class? Yeah...that's, for the most part, nonexistent throughout the school week...and even sometimes on weekends depending on deadlines, or if there's a test Monday morning, bright and early. You may think you're done, but there's always more that can be done. Studying, lab reports, mechanisms, evaluating chemical equations, term papers...our work is never complete. And on top of that we have to balance core classes too? This is where prioritizing is a must. You'll get pretty great at that. Heck, you might even make yourself a nice daily schedule where everything gets done and free time is a bonus add in. Even though it's nonexistent sometimes, when we do have free time, it's nap time. It's greatly needed.
8. *excited voice* "Guess what I learned today!"
And, unless said person is actually interested in your sciencey words of wisdom, they won't share the same enthusiasm as you do. It's disheartening, yes, but oh well.
9. ACS Chemistry Final Exams...
If you've had any sort of college chemistry course, I need not say any more....you understand. But for those who don't know about the horrors of the ACS finals, they are made to make your life hell.
But no matter the struggles we as science majors endure, we forcefully swim through the rubbish in order to achieve our main goal in life...whatever that may be. Biology (or chemistry) makes us who we are. No matter how many reasons it gives us to break down, we find twice as many more as to why we should stand firm. To encourage young science majors; never give up. It'll all be worth it, I promise.
