In a Nutshell.

Summarize all that you learned from the entries 1 to 5 into a reflection piece. Explain what transpired during the semester that changed you, the “what” and “how” were changed by the course

As the second and final chemistry class in high school comes to a close, heads held high are present in the atmosphere. Behind these are exam items with completely correct answers, that more than the solution it taught, enlightened many that hard work truly does pay off. In the perfect time it came where it felt like none of it was worth it, it became a reminder that it is worth the great lengths taken. Regardless of this triumph, it cannot be denied that there is a share of shortcomings that led to this moment. These, however, have transformed to be positive as it serves as a guide to become aware of their own mistakes. More than that, one learns to move past it and improve as she debugs and dives deep into the “why.” Unlike fictional characters who defy science and what one learns, what once was an “almost” for a person because of the panic and pressure, turned to be their strength in what they ought to face. Together with these experiences are tangible items that now hold more than what people would perceive. A paper and a video would now be a constant reminder of the skills and attitudes one needs to have, especially in the field of chemistry. These are the skills of measuring, communicating, collaboration, and honesty. Even items such as the laptop, calculator, and papers are also physical objects that now hold the experiences we have as we continue to attribute them to each other. Each of which played their own unique role into the success right at this given moment.

Within all these are the realities that can be paralleled to scientific adventures. Specifically, the aspect of life where difficulties and losses have to be faced; just like in Superman’s life. Here there is also panic and pressure. There are certain tools, people, skills, and attitudes that are gained to improve oneself; backed with tangible items associated with these. These may be gone, yet Life keeps moving forward.

Aside from Entropy and the second law of thermodynamics supporting this, my shared personal experience of losing an essential part of this course also taught me that life continues forward. This fundamental part was lost, yet lessons and teachings continued. We would always show up in class day after day, even when a part of it was lost. Because of this, I became a person who persevered. I became a person who would continue forward despite being bombarded with hardships. This experience was indeed difficult, but because of it, I found myself as a person who believed in herself and that there was better on the other end; that I looked forward to what was to come. Amidst this, I also became one who found sparks of love and joy. Not only did I keep moving past what was, I also learned to find joy in small things. I found that I was changed in this way because I grew to love parts of chemistry. This subject involved my forte–mathematics–which made me enjoy it. Being able to see this and being aware of the joy I felt, I found myself looking for joy and love in everything; just as I did in chemistry.