Carbon Chains and Brain Gains by Madison

Carbon Chains and Brain Gains by Madison - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

As a Biology major, I would argue that one of the most challenging classes is Organic Chemistry. Content wise, you are exposed to a vast amount of information that is largely new. At the surface, carbon seems so simple and has been introduced in General Chemistry. When you actually analyze this compound, you uncover a complex element that is essential for human existence, beyond the preliminary exposure given in Gen Chem. I remember when I first started organic chemistry, nomenclature was a breeze …. until it wasn’t. I have always been an a+b=c kind of person, logic is important of course, but thinking abstractly in science is just as important. Organic Chemistry was the first class that really challenged my studying methods. Memorization of nomenclature is not enough to get by, problem-solving skills coupled with understanding the foundations are essential in a course like Organic Chemistry.

My reasoning skills had to evolve from a+b=c to “if the structure of molecule a can be synthesized into b, what is the reaction that occurs to make c?” Studying for this class taught me time-management, I needed to pace myself especially in a reverse classroom teaching style. Along with managing my study time effectively, I needed to ensure that I always related the new content that I was reading back to the basic foundations of OChem that are introduced in the first few weeks of class. It truly taught me that this is a science that is built upon one another and that requires open-mindedness. Just like your personality, you never lose your base, it just simply grows.

Outside of analytical skills, OChem forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and communicate. Not just participating and asking questions in class, but seeking assistance on concepts that were a challenge to me. Office hours and attending tutoring sessions became a part of my weekly rotation. Eventually, my grades went from low B’s and C’s to A’s on exams and assignments. The evolution of those grades represented not only my progress, but also my dedication to understanding and the development of my critical thinking skills. I recall back to when I had to describe myself as an organic compound and I chose dopamine (C8H11NO2) because just like the neurotransmitter, I find happiness in the rewards that came from OChem. The course represented more than just a grade for me. I developed as a student and I give a lot of my gratitude to Organic Chemistry.