I went to an Organic Chemistry class as a non-science major

In fifth grade, I told my parents I wanted to become a neurosurgeon. Brains are cool, so why not right? Well, roughly four years later in high school, I discovered the science life did not choose me.

Nevertheless, I have always admired the brave souls who pursue a pre-med track in college. It takes a special type of crazy to put yourself through such a rigorous and unforgiving workload – and curve.

A few of my friends are currently suffering through Organic Chemistry, so I went with them to their Friday morning lecture.

This is how it went:

9.30am: I roll out of bed and rush to Lower to grab a bite to eat. My friend Griffin was already heading to class, hoping to get some review in before the lecture started.

9.47am: I am waiting outside Devlin 008 hoping no one will notice I clearly do not belong here. Everyone outside the class is on edge – word in Higgins is that there might be a pop quiz today.

10.01am: Professor Kelly walks in to the room and announces, unfortunately, there will not be a quiz. Celebrations ensue. I may have even spotted a tear of two of relief.

10.06am: I tried to take notes, but was unable to recognize the words the professor used. Not being able to spell the word the professor says is always the sign of a great start.

10.08am: We are now being asked a multiple choice clicker question. I couldn’t follow what the question was, but the possible answers are a) single enant, b) racemic mic c) mix of dirastereomers.

10.12am: The answer was A, in case you guys were wondering. Not really sure why. The professor kind of sounds like of cookie monster, but a little more well-read.

10.15am: Stereoisomers. From what I have gathered, this is either an alternative name for a boom box or the name of a funky radio station.

10.21am: We are working on the clicker question again. The answer is B, according to Professor Kelly, “although the potential for change exists, it does not mean it will happen.” Sounds like he’s been hanging with the philosophy faculty lately.

10.34am: We are now (still?) focused on stereochemistry. It is either a music genre or the intimate flux of emotion that comes over a white girl when she hears her song at the club. Pre-med people, let me know.

10.38am: Professor Kelly drew a beautiful honeycomb on the board. Apparently it was the wrong honeycomb so everyone laughed. I did not because I have absolutely no idea what these nerds are on about.

10.40am: We just wrapped up Chapter Five. Starting Chapter Six. Still not sure what happened in Chapter Five.

10.44am: We have transitioned from Alkanes to Halo Alkanes. I can tell the Pope has been around town.

10.48am: Professor Kelly just whipped out a bunch of water balloons. Pretty impressive if you ask me. We somehow just finished Chapter Six?

10.50am: I was the first person out of class. I actually did learn a few things. First, if you keep the carbon base of an enantiomer you get a single tenant. Second, Organic Chemistry should probably count towards the foreign language requirement.

If any of you have questions about any of the  information I included here – please refer to someone else, because I honestly cannot elaborate.