Well, after all my complaining about Gen Chem II, I ended up getting the highest grade in the class. I will sheepishly take that grade and walk quietly away…LOL
I’m actually proud to say that, in spite of full time work, kids, family, life, and 10 million other extraneous variables, I’ve managed to score the highest grades in each of my pre-req classes thus far. That isn’t a boast…it’s just further confirmation of this journey I am on. (And by the way, I am exceedingly glad that I have a place where I can share that news and not have anyone think I am just bragging. This is good news, and I am so excited and empowered!)
Each of us wonder, from time to time, if we can do this…if we’re crazy…if we’re smart enough… and days like today are an incredible encouragement to me. This is happening. This is working.
FUD be damned…
Congratulations to everyone who is finishing up an intense summer semester! Put another checkmark on the list, and keep on running. Fall classes start in 3 weeks, and I for one cannot WAIT!
- carrieliz Said:
You go girl!
- carrieliz Said:

When you overcome FUD, you can overcome anything!
- carrieliz Said:
Each of us wonder, from time to time, if we can do this...if we're crazy...if we're smart enough... and days like today are an incredible encouragement to me.
I don't wonder if I'm crazy, I know I am.
Great job Carrie! And you’re spot on about FUD, “FUD be damned” indeed!
Enjoy your break for the next few weeks getting ready for the final big push this year.
Congratulations!. I took Physics I in summer I, it was very intense, managed to get an A.However,didn’t had courage to fit in Physics II . Can’t wait for the Fall semester to begin.
Ok, wait a minute you may be wondering… Who is this oldcrazygirl. I have been lurking here for about 2 years now. So far finished ChemI/II, BIO I/II, Physics I. Continuing Orgo I and Physics II in the Fall. I work fulltime and have a 4 yr old girl. See you around. This is a great forum with great people and tons of advice and encouragement. Thank you all and keep going.
- oldcrazygirl Said:
Ok, wait a minute you may be wondering... Who is this oldcrazygirl. I have been lurking here for about 2 years now. So far finished ChemI/II, BIO I/II, Physics I. Continuing Orgo I and Physics II in the Fall. I work fulltime and have a 4 yr old girl. See you around. This is a great forum with great people and tons of advice and encouragement. Thank you all and keep going.
A long-time lurking comes out of the shadows... tell us more of your story and your success so that others can be inspired and follow
Great job!!! Looks like you were aiming for perfect (rather than passing) on all your tests! Congratulations. Surely you are showing you have “the right stuff”.
Kate
- carrieliz Said:
I actually LOL'd at this. Congratulations on kicking gen chem in the face.

- carrieliz Said:
I want this on a t-shirt. One, I love me some checklists. And two it's even more awesome when that list includes "Ace Gen Chem and get HIGHEST GRADE IN CLASS. Check!"

Way to go carrieliz!!
Thanks so much, guys–It’s definitely a great feeling!! I’ve decided to do NOTHING school related until Monday. Then I guess I’ll start pre-reading for Organic…whew…
CrazyGirl–WELCOME! I had to laugh–I work full time and have a 4 year old daughter as well…sounds like we have a lot in common. I agree with Richard–I’d love to hear more of your story!! Inquiring minds wanna know!
Pixie–my husband is a pilot, so checklists are a huge part of my life. LOVE them!!! I have such a feeling of accomplishment when I cross things off. Maybe it appeals to my obsessive side.
Have a great weekend, all!
Yay Carrie! We’re all proud of you … and we knew you could do it.
Congrats! I’m right behind you once I take my last final this week.
I started a little prep for Fall OChem by reading some of Organic Chemistry as a Second Language. It has good reviews so I thought it couldn’t hurt. I’m not sure if I’ll make it through the entire book before class starts.
Good luck to all of you and I concur with oldcrazygirl that this forum is a wonderful resource.
2old4med-- let me know what you think of that book! I’ve heard good things about it as well and was thinking about ordering it. I’ll be curious to hear your opinions!
Best of luck on your final!!!
I’m going to insert myself in your conversation with regard to O-Chem as a Second Language. I highly recommend it! The material presented in class can get a bit heavy, especially in the second semester, so the books are a great resource because they’re straight and to the point. The exercises are very helpful for getting down the basics as well. I’m sure there are other helpful books out there, but since I have personal experience with this one I thought I’d chime in. (It’s also nice and small so you can carry it with you and review things or do some practice problems when you have a few minutes of downtime.)
carrieliz -
Let me also chime in. O Chem as a Second Language is a GREAT help! It was highly recommended in my post-bacc program, almost everyone got it, and I don’t know of anyone who regretted it. The practice in many of the foundational concepts was invaluable and it really helped me “get” some of the concepts where I was finding it difficult to wade thru the regular text. I’d say “don’t take O Chem without it!”
Kate
That’s so great! So proud and happy for you.
I just very successfully finished up my summer physics so I know how you feel. FUD be damned! Darn right. This is a realizable dream, isn’t it?
Oh, and on the O Chem as a second language book: I’m not in O Chem yet, but I already have a copy waiting on my bookshelf for when the time comes! I’ve heard so many good things about it I had to pick one up. Got mine on Amazon or ebay for cheap, too.
Thought I’d chime in on the O. Chem as a Second Language bit – it’s an EXCELLENT book, and if you work on it before you start the class, chances are you’ll be ready for a 4.0 in no time. Also consider that the author recently finished a full textbook following a similar style and format to the O. Chem as a Second Language books. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it, so check it out at your university library if they have it. It will be well worth the trip.