I have learned a lot from my time in Science and Global Change. One topic discussed that I have used frequently outside of scholars is the hypothetico-deductive method of science. As a chemistry major I have taken several lab courses so far and in those classes I have had the task of creating my own experiments. These special projects centered on the hypothetico-deductive method of science. I had to use my current knowledge of topics and reactions to form a falsifiable hypothesis. I tested this hypothesis and gathered my observations. I think that my knowledge from SGC assisted me in these projects, especially when I had to explain why things went wrong.
Like I've said before, my major is chemistry. I came in to college not really sure what I wanted to do with that. I thought maybe I could do pharmacology or something related to the environment. After my time in scholars covering different topics surrounding the environment, I have (almost 100%) decided to pick up a minor in hydrology. From the talks we have gotten from former students, I think this is something that I could enjoy doing and have scholars to thank for the idea. I never really considered hydrology before scholars.
Outside of the Science and Global Change colloquium, I have taken several supporting classes. Coincidentally, being a STEM major made it pretty easy to meet all of my requirements. I think that both my organic chemistry 1 and 2 courses helped me understand more about our earth. Organic chemistry is the basis behind biology and life as a whole. My professor for organic 2 has also spent a lot of time in lecture talking about real world examples. One of the topics that comes up the most is recycling and plastics. He has gone into depth about different plastics and why or why not they are recyclable. We look at how these molecules are recycled and the reactions involved in that. We have also briefly looked at amino acids and their role in central biological processes. As you may know, amino acids make up all the proteins and DNA that make our cells and us as a whole. It is super interesting to see how these are made and the history of our knowledge on the first steps to life.
I have been lucky enough to have a roommate this semester that is also in Science and Global Change. It really helps to have someone to talk about the topics we learned in class and sharing our different views. It is also really fun living in Centreville Hall. After the Search for Solutions presentations, we have spent some time glaring out the window trying to see the green roof on top of the physical sciences building. I also have quite a few classes with fellow SGC members who are also Chemistry/Biochemistry majors.
I really haven't participated in Scholars as a whole as much as I would have hoped. Since this is my first semester where things are actually in person, it has made it very hard for me to get involved. Even with the limitations of being online, there were still some opportunities that I could have taken, but didn't. Looking back, I wish that I had gotten a little more involved and really done something for the Scholars community.
Scholars has definitely helped me bond with other students. I have made some friends in Science and Global Change that are also chemistry/biochemistry majors. I had no idea that we were in the same program, but having so much in common makes it really easy to build relationships. I also met my current roommate through the GroupMe for SGC. We get along way better that I could have ever hoped and am really thankful for the opportunities that have been presented to me. Even though I might have a lot in common with the people I have met, that does not mean we always see things in the same way. Meeting so many people really makes me rethink the things that I already know and has opened me up to more avenues in life. Looking back, I can't put a finger on one way that my beliefs have changed, but I think that I have definitely become a more open person.
Looking forward to my time after Scholars, I think that I am incredible prepared to handle things related to climate change. We all know people that still think that it is a hoax in one way or another, but now I have the knowledge to be confident in telling them why they are wrong. Science and Global Change has really given me heaps of knowledge surrounding climate change and science in general. I'm thankful for the time I've had and wish that we could have had more time in person.