Overcoming Chemistry by Adia

Overcoming Chemistry by Adia - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

One of the academic topics that was most challenging for me was the topic of chemical thermodynamics. I found that I was struggling with the pace at which the topic was covered, as well as with the amount of information that was asked of me in relation to this unit. I knew I had to memorize a variety of equations associated with chemical thermodynamics, as well as I had to understand when and how to apply each of those equations to chemistry problems.

To overcome the challenges, I found with this topic, I changed the way in which I studied. I began to rewrite the notes that were written during lecture and class. Additionally, I began to teach the concepts to my boyfriend, who utilized my notes to quiz me and ask me questions regarding each of the concepts. By teaching these topics, I had to think beyond my memorization of the chemistry equations and concepts to properly answer each of the questions that were asked of me.

Chemical thermodynamics has helped to develop and increase my critical thinking skills. Prior to learning this material, I tended to seek out answers and to memorize information. Now, I have learned to think more critically about the information that I am about to learn, and I have learned how to analyze the topics rather than simply remembering them.

Chemical thermodynamics will continue to benefit me even within my career and future as a veterinarian. For example, I will use many of these chemical concepts to understand how medications interact with an animal’s body, how toxins interact with different species of animals, why certain medications will make an animal vomit, and in how chemical reactions impact the health of an animal. Thus, my knowledge of these challenging topics has already provided me with the confidence and skills that I will use in my future veterinary career to care for the lives of animals in my care.