Chemist in the Making

17/100:

16/100:

Today was a snowy day, and I’m still fighting a cold, so it was the perfect time to hole myself up in the library doing some readings. I read a lot from our supplementary bioinorganic chemistry test, and took some notes on Crystal Field Theory. I took this screenshot of a really cute pun I found.

15/100:

Unfortunately I caught a cold from the harsh temperatures we’ve had in my area. I pushed through today’s obligations and allowed myself the evening to heal. Currently I’m drinking some TheraFlu Severe Cold Tea which is a life changer. It comes in little kcups, which is super conventions (not sponsored but honestly, I’m a huge fan).

Since I was a little sick today my notes aren’t that coherent, but please enjoy these pages I’ve decorated from the Day Designer I’m currently in love with.

The past two days have felt like a blur. I study and attend my classes to keep my mind busy. I haven’t slept much, and I have probably eaten less. I wanted to take a pause from my colored notes and chemistry rants to talk about something that has been bothering me for the past few days because I feel like it’s an important topic to discuss, and perhaps there’s someone who is going through the same problem and will benefit from my wisdom. 

What Do You Do When a Professor Sexually Harasses You?

Whether it’s a remark about your outfit that seemed inappropriate or you feel like you’, re getting “special attention”, any encounter with a professor that makes you uncomfortable should not be ignored. Remember that you are at this institution to gain an education and explore the things that excite you and if somebody is making you feel anxious, nervous, or like you can’t perform in your classes, please find people to help you. Here are some things to keep in mind if this is something you’re faced with, or you know a friend having the same problem:

1. Know it is not your fault

Say it a little louder for the people in the back. Unwelcome advances from anyone, are exactly what they sound like: unwelcome. You shouldn’t sit there and pick yourself apart for wearing a top that was a little tight or visiting office hours often. Especially if you’ve made it clear with your body language or by expressing it verbally, it is in no way your fault. Don’t blame yourself. 

2. Don’t silence yourself because you’re afraid of what’ll happen to them

This is important. This is something that I struggled with for so long until someone put it into perspective for me. These people are adults, they should know right from wrong. Not only that, but it’s very likely that they have even been through sexual misconduct training with their employer. Being concerned with their employment status or their relationships at home is not beneficial because they have to deal with the repercussions of their actions.

3. Know that there are people in place to help you

Whether it be a human resources person or a trusted professor/staff member, there are guidelines in place for how situations like these should be handled. I don’t know how it is in other countries, but in America (please tell me if I’m giving bad information here), almost all university personnel are mandatory reporters and are required to report instances of sexual misconduct. If you tell someone and they refuse to help you or you feel as though you aren’t getting the help you deserve, find someone else. Go to the dean of your college, an employer, an advisor, the dean of students even. There are people at your institution who know what to do and will help you. 

4. Be proud of yourself

12/100:

11/100:

Today was a very chilly day. After a nice long weekend at my parents' house, I came back to campus to get some work done. That means lots of bioinorganic chemistry notes and a vegan/gluten-free mug cake for motivation. 

7-10/100

It’s been a little challenging to keep up with posting lately. I decided to go home this weekend to help my parents around the house, especially since my dad recently got a hernia. Until he gets back on his feet, I wanted to give them as much as my time as possible. I pinky promise I’ve been productive. To compensate, I’ll disclose a few productive tidbits of my missed days:

7/100:

Listened and took notes from a bioinorganic lecture

Had my first day of the semester for being an intro biology lab teaching assistant (but I also worked last semester)

Did an assignment for my Modern World class

8/100:

Listened and took notes from a Codes and Cryptography lecture

Began Codes and Cryptography homework

Took notes for my upcoming Modern World class (pictured above)

9/100:

Helped my mom by doing some grocery shopping

Helped cook dinner for my parents

10/100:

Found a really neat recipe for vegan/gluten-free mug cakes

Did laundry

Helped cook dinner with my parents

6/100

Wednesday’s are appearing to be a little easier on me than the previous days of the week. Today I sat in our newly renovated student center and took some notes for my bioinorganic class tomorrow. The place I always sit in has really interesting mood lighting? The lights change color depending on what’s going on (in December they were red and green but now they’re back to our school’s colors). 

If I was too productive yesterday to make a post does it still count? Tuesday’s are by far my busiest days with class beginning at 9:30 am and my last meeting of the day ending around 10:30 pm. I tried to get some things done yesterday, but it seems that I just have to understand that maybe that day of the week won’t be my study “get-things-done” day. 

I did have my first bioinorganic chemistry class of the semester, and I really love it so far. Especially after finishing organic chemistry last semester it’s a really neat class to think about comparatively. I learned that oxygen binds to copper in the blood today, which was pretty mind-blowing to me (any medblrs who already knew this I’m sorry I’m still learning). 

I also had a Modern World class which is unique on its own. As part of my university's honors program, there are certain classes we have to take that are part of their curriculum. The Modern World, my last class, focuses on the interesting parts of science and bringing a philosophical way of thinking to them. Yesterday we discussed what science means, and how people put a certain prestige on some science majors vs. others. It was really awesome to hear everyone thought that psychology and geology deserve more respect. 

4/100

Today was my first day of the semester! I had Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Analytical lab today. Our professor made it seem like Analytical chemistry is the hardest class we will ever take and said that lots of people do terribly, which means that this class will be the one where I learn the most.

I’m really excited to begin my upper level chemistry courses because that means I’m one step closer to becoming the super cool chemist I’ve always wanted to be. My classes are becoming more based on application and theories rather than foundations, and I’m interested to see how I’ll grow as a laboratory student. Being quick on my feet to know which reactions will produce the best yield or which method employs the safest chemicals, is an incredibly useful skill to have, and I’m glad that I’m finally in an environment where I’m challenged to think critically.

Overall, today was good. Enjoy this picture of some bioinorganic chemistry notes to prep for tomorrow’s lecture, and the shirt I wore today that I embroidered a while ago.

3/100

It took me a long time to be productive today. I got a late start to the day, but ended up getting a lot done. I went to the gym with my boyfriend, did my first assignment for my Modern World class, and studied a little bit of Analytical Chemistry for tomorrow. I also did some self care, because I promised myself I would. Bonus, I indulged in The Art of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo and organized a couple drawers in my room.