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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Deneb on October 4, 2008, at 12:16:27
I'm passionate about organic chemistry.
I remember in first year organic chem, I didn't do that well because I merely memorized the reactions.
My prof says that organic chem is not about memorizing, but understanding. Once you understand, you can use logic to solve problems.
But right now all I know if that I like organic chem.
My sister, who is a master's student in biochemistry told me organic chem is a useless course that doesn't apply to real life. She didn't like organic chem.
That seems to be a trend. I found a forum where doctors were discussing how they should get rid of organic chem as a pre-med requirement because they never use it as doctors.
So now I'm left wondering what I can do. I think I'd need to go pretty far with organic chemistry to do anything worthwhile. If possible I would like to pursue further studies in organic chemistry.
It seems like most people do not like organic chem. I feel like a weirdo. LOL
Posted by Gee on October 4, 2008, at 13:47:48
In reply to What can I do?, posted by Deneb on October 4, 2008, at 12:16:27
If you like what you're studying, do it matter what other people say about it? I fully understand the being able to do something with it in the end, but what are some of the options for organic chem? Maybe this is just the first step in discovering what you want to do "when you grow up".
Could you go and talk to your prof about different options for working in the organic chem field? Maybe he, or someone else in the department, are looking for research students?
Posted by Larry Hoover on October 4, 2008, at 16:26:54
In reply to What can I do?, posted by Deneb on October 4, 2008, at 12:16:27
I can't quite grasp a biochemist putting down organic chemistry. Biochemistry is a branch of organic chemistry, although it also has some attributes outside those I'd strictly attribute to organic chem.
The way I look at it, biochemists dream of drugs (for example), but organic chemists build them. Biochemists know about reactants and products, but organic chemists know just how a reactant becomes a product. And, can likely come up with an alternative method to accomplish the same thing.
Lar
Posted by TexasChic on October 4, 2008, at 20:19:10
In reply to Re: What can I do? » Deneb, posted by Larry Hoover on October 4, 2008, at 16:26:54
First of all, ditto what Larry said. Not that I have the foggiest idea what any of it means, but if anybody can give you good advice about something that involves all that stuff only you super intelligent folks understand, he'd be the one.
Second of all, I hope you don't mind my saying so, but from things you've said over the years, your sister always seems to be putting you down! You probably don't even realize it because that's the way its always been.
A person wouldn't do that if they were secure with themselves. I think maybe she's jealous of you in some way. Its possible its something subconscious she doesn't even realize she's doing. I may be wrong, but I thought you might want to give it some thought. Consider what her motives might be behind the things she says. It just seems as if she doesn't want you to be happy.
Hang in there and do what YOU want! I've always felt you are meant to do something very special in life.
-T
Posted by llurpsienoodle on October 5, 2008, at 9:38:39
In reply to Re: What can I do?, posted by TexasChic on October 4, 2008, at 20:19:10
Deneb,
do you know how long it takes most people to find their PASSION in life?I think you are extremely lucky-- you have developed a way of thinking and acting on your dreams that will serve you very well!
Okay, at some point it's time to think to yourself "what the hell does my sister know about [me, organic chem, life] anyways?" Clearly, she has some kind of self-esteem issues. I feel like you were unfairly targeted in your family as the one with a 'problem'. Family systems are in general dysfunctional when one person is struggling. I think your sister finds some sick sort of comfort in framing all your YOUR choices as idiotic and pathological. My thoughts anyways.
I'm SOOO happy that you've found a niche for yourself. It's important to have realistic expectations, though. Maybe you are really thriving on these types of rxns, and the next chapter is more boring, less exciting or whatever. Just stick with it, and try to remember the highs, even when you feel stuck in the doldrums
-Ll
Posted by Phillipa on October 5, 2008, at 13:02:30
In reply to Re: What can I do?, posted by llurpsienoodle on October 5, 2008, at 9:38:39
All great advise ditto from me. Phillipa
Posted by lucie lu on October 17, 2008, at 0:24:04
In reply to What can I do?, posted by Deneb on October 4, 2008, at 12:16:27
Deneb, I replied to your previous post before reading this one. You are not a freak! I'm so happy you like organic so much. I don't know what you're goals are, but there is absolutely no way that you could learn biochemistry without any organic. And I agree that if you can approach organic with understanding rather than memorization, that you are likely to do very well in the course. Maybe you should consider working in a lab or even going to grad school in chemistry? Or getting a job in industry, e.g. pharmaceutical or biotech? I think it was my experience in organic that directed me toward a career in chemisry. I have been in this field for more than 20 years and have never regretted it. Wish you were applying to our graduate program... we are always looking for students who are passionate for their chosen field of study.Good luck with your classes! Sounds like you don't need luck, though.
Best,
Lucie
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