Editor’s Note: This is the second of two essays titled An Extra Credit Assignment Inspires Reflection on Study Habits. You can read the first one here.
An essay I wrote, “Incoming college STEM freshmen, take note: You need to take your classes seriously,” was published as a special to the USA TODAY Network and in two South Florida newspapers. In it, I offered ten suggestions for success to incoming college freshmen planning to major in a STEM discipline. Among the advice: manage time wisely, limit cellphone use, complete every assignment—including extra credit—avoid dating until junior or senior year, and seek help from peer tutors or professors when struggling in a difficult class.
I shared the published version on my introductory chemistry course title and turned it into an extra credit assignment. Students were asked to write a three-page essay in MLA or Chicago Style format, summarizing my piece in one page and sharing their thoughts and experiences. This semester, one student’s essay stood out as exceptional and deserves to be published. Below is Molly Templeton’s essay, presented in its entirety, exactly as written.
While I can warn my Gen Z students about the dangers of social media obsession and its corrosive effects on study habits and relationships, nothing resonates more powerfully than the voice of one of their peers.
How to Succeed in Chemistry!
by Molly Templeton
Nothing worth having comes easy, especially a degree in STEM! The best chemistry professor ever: Gregory J. Rummo, would agree with this sentiment since he wrote an article about how to succeed as a STEM freshman.
The article makes many crucial points about how this will be a significant transition from high school and requires sacrifice. As a STEM major, showing up for class is critical because every lecture and lab builds on the last, and missing even one can make it difficult to grasp complex concepts later. This is excellent advice for me because I used to really enjoy skipping classes in high school. I have not been skipping classes in college because I pay for them, so it is essential to show up. However, it’s also great advice because I hate failing classes and low grades.
This semester and even last semester, I’ve missed so many cool events, concerts, and spontaneous hangouts—all in the name of school. While my new “boring” lifestyle has definitely been a letdown for some of my friends, I don’t regret the choices I’ve made. Prioritizing my education has been a challenge, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding, and I know that these sacrifices will pay off in the long run. I’ve learned to appreciate the grind, even when it means skipping out on fun plans. And I hope I can continue to make reasonable sacrifices in my social life for the sake of the best subject ever: chemistry!
As a D1 procrastinator, I definitely struggle with deadlines and all the stress that comes with them. Managing my time has never been my strongest skill, and I’ve had my fair share of last-minute panic and missed submissions. However, after surviving many difficult lessons last semester—some more painful than others—I’ve started to understand just how much I need to improve. I’ve made a real effort to adjust my habits, and while I won’t claim to be perfect, I am confident that I will miss approximately 50% fewer deadlines this semester. Progress is progress, and I’ll take what I can get!
Another crucial part of succeeding in chemistry—or any STEM course—is asking for help when needed. MOST professors aren’t scary monsters waiting to fail students; they actually want you to succeed. Going to office hours, emailing questions, and even just introducing yourself early on can make a huge difference. I used to be terrified of asking for help, but I’ve realized that struggling in silence only makes things worse. Tutoring is another game-changer, especially when a concept just won’t click, no matter how often I reread my notes. Having someone break it down differently can be the key to finally understanding. I also sometimes like to watch the organic chemistry tutor on YouTube. He explains complex concepts very well!
One of the worst study struggles I’ve faced so far is staying focused, and I’ve finally accepted that my phone is the enemy. I’ll sit down to review molecular structures, and next thing I know, I’m 45 minutes deep into deep-state conspiracy, texting my friends, or suddenly convinced that I need to learn how bubble gum is made. Chemistry requires full concentration—there’s too much information to half-learn while being distracted. Usually keeping my phone in another room or across the table makes a difference in how much I actually retain … However, as of late, I have had to take more drastic measures. Sometimes, I freeze my phone in water or put it in my corn syrup bowl. It’s super effective. Plus, the faster I finish studying, the sooner I can get back to scrolling guilt-free. It turns out that my grades are way better when TikTok isn’t involved!
Lastly, I’ve learned that doing every assignment—even the annoying ones—makes a huge difference. In high school, I could get away with skipping small assignments and still pass, but in college, every point matters. Extra credit is basically free points, and I’d be crazy to ignore it. Even if an assignment seems pointless, it probably reinforces what we’re learning, and struggling through it now is way better than blankly staring at a test question later. Plus, there’s something satisfying about knowing I gave it my all, even if my grade isn’t perfect. Chemistry is tough, but I know I can handle it with the right mindset and tips from this article!
Molly Templeton, from Lake Worth, Florida, is a Freshman at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is majoring in medicinal biological chemistry and dreams about someday opening an affordable dermatology clinic in South Florida. She is also interested in humanitarian work and art.
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Image: “Biochemistry Lab” by Baitaal on Wikimedia Commons
