How to Successfully Pass General Chemistry

 Introduction

Hello, I have been struggling with General Chemistry until recently. Taking a harder class teaches you a thing or two about studying. I wish I would have followed these tips earlier in the class so that I could have potentially done much better, however I did pass the class with a B. For many of you this may be your first Science class taken as it was mine. Some school’s General Chemistry classes will be easier than others. If you are taking General Chemistry from a medical school it is bound to be harder. I am upset at myself because I was not hard on myself near the beginning of the year, but towards the middle of year I became much more critical of myself. Now, these tips do not guarantee success, but hopefully they can inspire it.

1) Create a Study Plan

How many hours of Chemistry do you study each day? When I study Chemistry, I will create a sheet on excel that counts the hours of Chemistry that I study. For some people printing off a paper from excel is the better option. This is an example of my study sheet on a piece of paper. Set a goal to how many hours you should be studying and make sure you have met that goal. Some weeks may be more intense than others. Some weeks I would study 12 hours while other weeks I would study about 7 hours. My advice for other people and myself is to make that number more consistent. For my remaining science classes I will make sure I study at least 10 hours total on all  of my material. 

Somedays we can trick ourselves into thinking we were productive, when we were not. Therefore, counting your hours of study time truly helps. A thought that is discouraging many people in STEM fields that geniuses were born that way. They have some unobtainable gift that is unreachable, however EVEN GENIUS' HAD TO STUDY. Your knowledge will be your most important asset to your resume.

2) Trick yourself if you don't like it

Pretend you love Chemistry. Now I know you're probably rolling your eyes, because honestly who loves General Chemistry, but just pretend. I would tell myself I loved it, I began to believe myself, and studying became more fun.

3) Keep it Simple Stupid

Who has ever heard of this phrase before? Some of you might recall the statement "KISS", no I don't mean the romantic kind. The idea is that if you cannot break something up into simple statements then you do not understand the material. This sounds difficult for a subject such as chemistry. Chemistry is so vague, there are a lot of ideas, however many of the ideas are just simple ideas jumbled together. Sometimes one simple idea follows another idea. Take a machine for example. The most complicated machine that I can think of is the super computer. Looking at it from the outside I feel overwhelmed. There are so many components mounted together, so much software and coding, however if you take a step back all it really is, is a bunch of tiny simple instructions that create something complex. Why can't we think that way then? Perhaps we become so overwhelmed with the entirety of it that we forget the simplicity of it.

4) Sometimes your grade is not an accurate reflection of your work

This is something that I have learned while in a STEM field. Your grade is very dependent on the teacher and depending if the teacher will make accommodations or not. I had classmates who took the same class whose lowest exam grades were dropped, however not all teachers will do this. For my class 22% of my grade was dependent on my final while the other classes teachers would drop their students’ final grade. However, even if your teacher is difficult it doesn’t excuse your “bad or medium” grade. One thing that bothers me is when students who take an easier class brag about receiving an A. If a student takes a difficult class and receives and A that is something much more than an easy A. There is so much stigma about a B- or a C letter grade that we forget the difficulties of the class to begin with. It would seem in my class about half of the students have dropped since the begging of the semester. General Chemistry is the most failed class at the University of Utah.

5)Practice, Practice, Practice

Every single day at least do one practice problem. Here is a photo of how I lay out my practice problems.  On the left side is a practice question, and on the right is an explanation to that question. 

I wish I was more consistent with studying practice problems. At the beginning of the year I would simply stop the moment my homework was completed, however I can now see how big of a mistake that was. What I should have done is to keep studying practice problems until I could no longer practice. This is what I did in the middle of the year. I would create practice problems and review them over and over again. Near the end of the year I had made about 50 sheets of practice questions. This helped immensely for the calculations portion of my exam, but not so much with the idea portion. It took my grade from about a 50% on my midterm exams to a about a 90%. 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day after chemistry has fried your brain, you have passed the most failed class amongst university students. Learning all of humanity's chemistry in 3 months is not easy. These are classes that a University will place for freshman as, "Weeding out classes". That is why about half of the class drops, and so many people switch majors into non STEM fields. They want to make sure that you can take the heat. I promise you, if you make sure you don't just complete the homework and make sure you take your time to study, you can at least pass the class. My lesson learned from this class is to make sure next semester that I work so much harder in the beginning of the year. Good luck with chemistry, you can do it!

Blue Lens

Full Red Blouse

Lengthened Black Vest

Tattered Blue Jeans

Black Ankle Boots

White Split Shoulder Top

Rangy Orange Necklace

High Waist Tube Skirt

Tall Brown Boots

Halo Effect Eye-shadow

Dark Brown

Gold 

Crimson

Orange

Food for Thought

Why is everybody so focused on finding the differences between themselves and others, when we all have the same end goal.

Sometimes people don't understand what they are truly saying unless they say out loud 11 times. Or more.... 

When you're outside alone, what do you think about? If you want to be more successful divert your thoughts to positive ones if negative. Focus on problems and find solutions. 

If you are more of a visual person use images to memorize abstract things like numbers. For example 3t^2-24t+36

3t^2: a tree with 3 branches that look like fingers 

24t: people holding a pitchfork with four points

36: three flirty ladies

Your imagination is a powerful thing so use it to your advantage. Memorize the pictures in order. 

The Silence of the Tree

Standing tall and reaching out for the sky. The Tree’s fingers’ branch out, spiraling at the tip and ending with tuff, green needles. The crescent mood luminates the dark brown bark. Shadowing besides the building. It reminds me of math, except it’s much more pretty.

All except that one branch. It seemed so distant from the others, ending with pointed bark. Drooping to the ground it was a fainter tint of brown. I wonder, why do I have such a connection with this branch? I would study its brown cracks. It was closer to the dirt than to the sky. Breathing in minerals rather than air. Why didn’t it have green needles? I would think that it would receive nutrients first.

Each branch has a unique pattern. Strange to think about. The bark on the outside has a code. Each crack holds secrets. To the bugs that eat the bark to the bacteria that florist the tree. Each branch unique.

But this branch was arguably “More unique”. Perhaps it was the looks of the branch. The distance, the bareness, the color. Standing next to the tree breathing is easier. Deep inhale, loud exhale. I wonder if the tree can feel pain? Does it feel my touch?

The snow crackled underneath my furry boots. Fluffy powder painted the sky gray. I began to cry, for some unknown reason. I just felt so sad, sitting besides the tall watcher. Watching with it. Trying to understand it, “Hello” I would whisper. I would hear nothing but a faint rustling of the pines. “Hello” I whispered even softer.

Silence

I understand that it speaks in silence. It speaks slowly.  So slow that many forget what has been said. I study the trees bark and I see sticky sap. Slowly dripping downwards. Does it feel my pain too?

The sun rises over the mountains. Purple lilacs fill the bathed sky. The tree smells of a fragranced pine, so sweet I could taste it. “Good morning”, I say to my new friend. The birds chirp among one another. Dancing on the branches they bounce. Gliding gleefully to the ground. Magpies have such personality: Self-centered, self-aware. I whistle to the birds and quickly they whistle back. So quick is their speech.

But my friends are not friends with everyone. They are very selective with whom they trust. And for a good reason. For many don’t appreciate their value. It whispers “Sad”, as they trudge without stopping to breathe, truly breathe. The air that the tree provides. So, overlooked are my friends. I give pleading glances at them walking by, but nothing. Only quick jitters to look away at everything else more interesting.

The beautiful branch has drooped lower curling at the end. I try to reach the branch just to touch it. I wanted to warm its bare bark. Stretching out I barely missed it. Could it feel my warmth without touch?

I whisper the softest and slowest hello so that it has time to hear me. Looking over my shoulder the most beautiful shimmer rests on a pole. The most mystical thing I have seen. A raven is perched on the flagpole. Its glossy black feather radiates shimmering glow.

“Beautiful” I say loudly before covering my mouth afraid I might be mistaken for a “Trudger”. I slowly lay on the snowy pillow. The tree guides me to a peaceful sleep. “Goodnight” I whisper.

The wind quietly whispers a warning

The raven crows a harsh mourning

Sweet dew lays on the frozen grass

Encapsulated water forever glassed

I awake to a strange sound. A chortling scream. Frantically I awake to see a branch falling to the ground. I am frozen with the snow, I am afraid. My friend was hurt, and I was powerless, speechless I watched the Trudgers carry the bare branch into the trash.

I watch the tree from a distance afraid to approach it, afraid I might be mistaken. I see the magpies chirping a demanding screech. I attempt to whistle to them, but they are afraid of me. “Hello”, I whispered to the tree… nothing… “Hello” I say a bit louder. I hear the rustling of leaves. I touched the tree, but it felt stiff. I stand and look at the vertical figure. I heard nothing from my friend. I walked away slowly, slowly enough so that the tree could tell me to stop, but it did not. The birds chirped flying from branch to branch. Swaying pines fragranced the air. 

And the tree dripped fresh sap

An Honest Review about pet Parakeets

Hello,

Thank you for following my blog. This week I had some fun playing around with photo editing apps (^-^) I'm still learning about how to arrange photos correctly.  I will sporadically be posting about something new once per week. If you have any questions or suggestions about what you would like to read next please let me know. Meanwhile, let's talk about Parakeets.

Now, don't get me wrong I adore my birds. However there are moments when I wish they were, well.... a bit more like dogs, because dogs are snuggly while birds would rather bite your finger. 

To start 

Parakeets are not dogs ( Or cats for that matter)
Like I said before, birds would rather bite your finger than snuggle with you. Birds are not mammals and as adorable as they are, sometimes they would rather be left alone than touched. I have tried to give my birds cuddles and they don't trust as easily. 

Parakeets are territorial 
I realized that my bird Peach was depressed once I left him alone. I felt guilty because parakeets are highly social birds. Most budgies don't mind the constant chattering unlike people. Once I bought him a friend (Blueberry) he was hesitant about her. I thought that he would be happy, after-all he had a friend! However, his approach about it was opposite from what I imagined. Peach would bite Blueberry and they were constantly biting each other. I had to separate them from one another for a while. Peach felt intimidated, a new bird 
was in his territory.

Parakeets can be loving
After Peach's initial temper tantrum he adored Blueberry. While working through my homework, I would be hearing cute little chattering noises. Birds have no respect for public display of affection. Peach and Blueberry were affectionately kissing! I thought that this would die out but they still love one another, and well dislike one another too. Perhaps that's why they call "Honeymoon" couples "Love birds".

Parakeets are constantly Scared
Instinctively birds are afraid; because their bone structures are hollow, and their bodies are tiny, they are naturally scared especially of you!! When I first got birds I didn't understand that (Obviously I should have known). Even though my birds are somewhat tame, they still act slightly afraid of me at times. That's alright I love them anyways. 

Parakeets are smart
Don't let their size convince you otherwise, parakeets can be smart. Their intelligence becomes burdensome the moment they become bored. There has been times while studying, Peach and Blueberry collaboratively scream at me. The moment I look at them they are sit still in silence. Returning to my studies they scream, this time loader and more demanding. Unsure of what they would like I give them seeds. After I brought them some seeds they fluffed in excitement and quietly chirped their victory. Once I thought all this nonsense was over they throw their food on the ground and scream at me again to refill it. Sometimes I feel like a parent even though I am college student. 

They are Adorable
Although my birds are demanding, they are adorable. Recently Peach said his first word! He sings "Peekaboo" to me when he wants attention and my heart melts every time I hear him. Birds are not like cats or dogs, but they do have their own little charm that makes life much cuter.

Have Fun this Fall

Here are some fun ideas to do Salt Lake City Utah

1) Attend Local Farmer Markets.

   Every year farmer markets come to Salt Lake City. When I first heard of them I didn't expect them to be fun, however after visiting one it gave me inspiration to start my own garden and to eat healthier.

2) Go on a Scenic Drive

It is no mystery that Salt Lake City is beautiful. Salt Lake's trees seem to be bigger with more history behind them. Go outside, better yet go to a park and enjoy the colors of fall. 

3) Make your own Pumpkin Spice Lattes

This one is a no brainier. Everyone deserves fall treats during the fall. 

4) Attend a show at Ballet West

No matter the season, this is always a good idea. The dancing is beautiful and it makes you feel wowed.

4) Go to a football Game

Every fall many football games are released and can be fun to attend.

4) Go to a Paint Mixer

A fun idea is to paint whether with friends or loved ones it makes life more colorful. The fall makes me sensitive to colors and gets me in the mood to paint. 

5) Go to the Cat Cafe

If you're a cat lover, then you would love the Cat-Cafe. The Cafe has many cats that need to be adopted and some who love snuggles. Drinking a tea, or coffee, besides them makes life much cuter. 

6) Take Fun Fall Photos

Fall is beautiful in it's own unique way from the other seasons. Take advantage of the fall . Get creative with your camera. Snap as many photos as you possibly can. It's important to recognize the beauty around you. 

7) Have a Campfire with Friends

Call up your friends and have a campfire in Snow berg. Better yet, go camping! 

8) Explore Downtown Salt Lake

Salt Lake has so many things to do. Sometimes you won't know about these things unless you take a day to explore.

9) Go to a Fragrance Shop

Ah, the smells of fall. I love having many scented candles, but my addiction becomes the worst during the fall. The smells of pumpkin, cinnamon, and vanilla create an aroma that calms everyone inside of the house. 

10) Go to Salt Lake City Public Library

The library in Salt Lake is huge! For fellow book lovers, what is better than that. I think of fall as a time to put on my fluffy socks and catch up on a good book and a great place to do that is at the library. 

Confirmations

Recently I have been struggling to remain optimistic. Struggling to look at yourself positively is a reality that many people face.  I have come up with a list of confirmations that I attempt to tell myself to cheer myself up.

1) YES YOU CAN!!
       Many times I forget this simple phrase, "Yes you can". I become so warped in what I cannot do that I forget what I can do. An example of my inner dialogue is, "I cannot become great, everyone else knows what they are doing, I am a fool to believe that I could". This is not the right attitude. Instead tell yourself you can (Even if you don't believe it), " I can pass this class, I can become smart, I can be a good person... I can.. I can... I CAN". 

2) My Strengths are Others Weaknesses
When we adapt a negative mindset we tell ourselves about our weaknesses. We forget how strong we truly are. Decide what you like about yourself. It may be physical, or emotional. " I love the way I relate to others; I love how I take charge in hard situations; I love how curious I am about life" ) 

3) I am a BAD-ASS
Now I know this is coming off a bit Vulgar, but sometimes it feels good to swear. Release that inner "Bad-Ass" that you are afraid to let out. For example, take charge when you know that you can! This doesn't mean being a complete jerk, but don't forget that you are as important as everyone else. Make sure people know your constructive opinions in work, school, and even at home. It is so hard for some people to say what they truly feel, but you will be better off in the long run if you do. 

4) "Ain't nobody got time for that"
I'm sure you all have seen the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waEC-8GFTP4), if you haven't then please look at the video, it brightened my day. A woman bluntly says "Ain't nobody got time for that" when she could have been devastated instead. Whenever a negative thought comes in my head I think of her blatantly telling me that "Ain't nobody got time for that" 

well... obviously...

Introduction

Hello,

Join me in my journey as an aspiring pessimist to remain optimistic throughout all that life offers. This blog is not organized in a particular fashion, nor is it strategical, rather it is a collection of information to hopefully bring a smile on your face. I will posting a new video or blog post once a week.