Burnout

I'm struggling. I can see the finish line of this semester. I know I'm almost done. I'm spent. My mental energy seems to be failing me. I realized the other day that I haven't given myself time to relax. I went from a crazy Spring 2010, to Chemistry 1 in the summer, quickly followed by Chemistry 2 also in the summer. As soon as Chem 2 finished, Fall was upon me and I immediately dove into my current classes. I haven't had a week off... and it's showing. I should be pushing through with that last bit of gusto I always manage to find. This time seems different. The cupboard appears to be bare. The reserve energy is gone. I have used all my carbohydrates, spent all my adipose, and it seems I'm diving into muscle. Somehow I must find a way to plunge through. I try to remind myself that it is almost over as well as how important these next few weeks will mean to my overall transcripts. I just hope my willpower is strong enough....

Because I have nothing else to do...

I'm thinking about becoming a chemistry tutor. It looks as though I will get an A in gen chem 2. Thank you youtube.com for your invaluable service in explaining concepts! Since my fall schedule will be so light - three of my five boys will be in school; so only two will be at home. My course load at that time will consist of Statistics, Biology 2 with lab, Physics 1 with lab, and Organic Chemistry with lab and recitation. Surely I will be able to spare a few hours each week to assist those in need of general chemistry help right? I figure it may help a little on my medical school application; it will bring in a few bucks as income; but moreover, it will keep my gen chem skills sharp for the MCAT next year. This way I won't have to cram as hard as I would otherwise. I'm still mulling it over but I think this is the way to go... if there are any suggestions, let me know.

BTW... there was sarcasm when referring to my upcoming schedule as light...

The Secret of Success in Chem 2

I have struggled this summer semester with Chemistry 2. Oh how fondly I look back at how easy everything in Chemistry 1 was.... Just remember to convert everything to moles... If it were so easy now, I wouldn't need to give away the secret to Chem 2 success. To ace Chemistry 2, one must go to class, read the textbook, ask any conceptual questions in class, and do every single last calculation provided in the textbook. That's right. The key to success in Chem 2 is to work your butt off every day. Chemistry 2 is almost soul crushing... yet it's almost over. I can see the finish line and I hope I can finish it before it finishes me.

Chemistry 1 and 2 in the summer

For those willing to devote their entire life to chemistry, taking Chemistry 1 and 2 in the summer will knock out the inorganic portion quickly. But beware! Those who wish to enjoy even an iota of summer, do not attempt.

I aced Chem 1 this summer without too much stress. Sure I had to study, but all in all it wasn't more than I could handle. Chem 2 is a bit of a different animal. I'm really struggling to get an A in this class. Part of my problem was missing 2 days of class (the equivalent of 2 weeks in a "normal" class due to a death in the family), but I do not seem to be able to catch myself up on the concepts.

I have an exam coming Monday. This will be the determining factor of whether or not my run of straight A's in class since returning to school continues, or comes to an abrupt end. Well, I guess I better stop procrastinating, and get to understanding more about chemical equilibrium.