Introductory science classes
My first classes at UW were for an engineering interest group. I was whole-heartedly STEM!
I took the first two Chemistry classes, Chemistry 142/Chemistry 152, and found that I didn't hate it as much as everyone else did. I also found that I was... kind of good at it? But I couldn't say it out loud, or that would DEFINITELY jinx it. The more I learned, the more I actually liked it. Of course there were days when I thought I would die if I heard one more word about the various orbitals, but I found myself getting really excited when I learned the chemistry behind the way the world works. I like to attribute this to my earlier-discovered love of figuring out how things work together. As it turns out, this doesn't just apply to history; I get just as excited when learning about the specific molecular reasons why I salt my water when boiling spaghetti. I guess it's in the little things!
I took the first two Chemistry classes, Chemistry 142/Chemistry 152, and found that I didn't hate it as much as everyone else did. I also found that I was... kind of good at it? But I couldn't say it out loud, or that would DEFINITELY jinx it. The more I learned, the more I actually liked it. Of course there were days when I thought I would die if I heard one more word about the various orbitals, but I found myself getting really excited when I learned the chemistry behind the way the world works. I like to attribute this to my earlier-discovered love of figuring out how things work together. As it turns out, this doesn't just apply to history; I get just as excited when learning about the specific molecular reasons why I salt my water when boiling spaghetti. I guess it's in the little things!
Questioning Stem
As I continued to take Honors classes, I had the privilege to take one of my favorite classes to this day: The Record Of Us All. This class threw me for a bit of a loop; I had always pictured myself in the sciences somewhere, but I enjoyed this class more than any I had previously experienced. I loved every assignment, and received feedback from my professor that moved me and made me think that this type of study was a possibility for me. I had absolutely no clue what to do with this information, and began to spiral into a loop of fear and self-questioning.
This class left me with more questions than answers. All of a sudden there were a few extra pieces to a puzzle that I thought I had already solved, and I couldn't seem to make them fit. That being said, I found and excitement and enthusiasm in this class that I knew I wanted to find, wherever I went. I also found a professor that I admire and trust, who I visit every so often to reflect and catch up.
This class left me with more questions than answers. All of a sudden there were a few extra pieces to a puzzle that I thought I had already solved, and I couldn't seem to make them fit. That being said, I found and excitement and enthusiasm in this class that I knew I wanted to find, wherever I went. I also found a professor that I admire and trust, who I visit every so often to reflect and catch up.
feedback on my final project
Starting a path to leadership
I ended off the year in the RA training class. As a bit of background information, I spent most of this time being a dedicated member of Mercer Court Hall Council, and was excited about the prospect of becoming a student leader. I met amazing people, some that I'm still in contact with, and I learned a lot about my leadership style. My freshman year ended with a lot of warm fuzzy feelings, a lot of confusion about my path, and a lot of excitement for the year to come. I had built my community, found exciting opportunities, and learned a little bit more about myself.