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5 Things Organic Chemistry Has Taught Me

Allie Helein
Hannah Yohnk
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wisconsin chapter.

I think the reputation of the dreaded organic chemistry is enough to make anyone wary of this class; yet, it remains a prerequisite for almost every pre-health major. Now, as finals season is in full swing, I’ve decided it is about time for some reflection of my time in hell.

 

1. Failing a test does not necessarily mean you failed the test.

Thanks to the curve, 44% is the new 90%.

 

2. It takes a special type of person to be able to teach organic chemistry for a living.

 

If they start the first day with, “I never really understood why people think this class is so difficult,” RUN.

 

3. Organic chemistry is actually code for “art class for people that will never take art.”

 

I can now draw shapes with any number of sides and over 20 types of arrows. Is this science? Who actually knows?

 

4. Everything you learn at one lecture is proven wrong at the next lecture.

 

Is it really a pattern if a rule only applies to approximately three out of 20 situations? The professor will use the word “except” more than any other word.

 

5. There is ALWAYS a meme somewhere that captures the multitude of emotions that come with the class.

 

Enough said.

 

Even if I don’t take away any chemistry-related knowledge from this class, I know that I’ve learned many valuable life lessons I can take with me and apply all throughout my life. So, if you are out there wondering if you will pass your final exam — find some memes and start drawing hexagons; it’ll all be okay.

Allie Helein

Wisconsin '21

Sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying Dietetics and Psychology
Hannah, originally from Milwaukee, WI is a Campus Correspondent for HC Wisconsin.  Hannah is a Senior and is studying Political Science and Psychology.  She aspires to work in health policy and will run for office one day.  She is never seen without a cup of coffee in hand and loves to eat any food in sight, especially sushi.  Outside of school, Hannah frequents Badger sporting events and likes to hang out with her friends on the weekends finding new things to do and new places to eat.  Hannah also runs her own Mary Kay business and is obsessed with keeping up with the latest makeup trends! This will be her seventh semester on the Her Campus team, and she loves the org more and more each semester!  It is Hannah's favorite thing that she is involved in on campus and highly recommends anyone with an interest in writing, journalism, or blogging to get involved, you won't regret it! On Wisconsin!!