Sophia99

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SOPHIA GUEDJ
CHX114
November 29, 2025
Prompted Reflection Essay

What did you learn about yourself this semester?

I was reluctant to take this class as it was imposed on me, and I did not have the necessary time or financial resources, I still have no money, especially now with housing raising my rent. I was really disappointed to find out that it will not be required for next fall. But because of timing, I did not have a choice. I had to just deal with it and move forward. But here is the funny part: after all the stress and complaining, I ended up needing this class anyway. If I did not take it now, I would have had to take it next spring. Isn’t that odd? I spent hours upset about the time and money, and suddenly it turned out I had to take it no matter what.
Once I got into it, I actually enjoyed doing the food experiments, even though one of them did not work the way I wanted to. The technological part, though? The computer and Wi-Fi did not want to work with me. That made the assignments frustrating, annoying, and honestly just obnoxious. I did not want to deal with that, especially when my laptop or internet kept failing. It is 2025 why we are still struggling with Wi-Fi, uploading, downloading, pictures, and all of that! I am paying enough money to have decent internet that should not make me want to scream.
After working so hard on my experiment, I was proud of what I did. I understood it, processed it, and was ready to submit. Then the tech problems ruined everything. If I ever must take a class this technical again, I am doing it in person. This type of class should not be online. I would rather be in a real kitchen with a teacher and classmates than alone, unable to ask questions, like when I saw the “bleeding” nail experiment. That was so cool, and I would have loved to talk about it in the moment.

Therefore, here is what I learned this semester in Chem 114:

• I never want to take a science or math class online again.
• Chemistry is not just for science experiments; it can actually be a life adventure. Doing
  something, I would never have thought of doing on my own and coming to real conclusions felt exciting, even artistic.
• The experiment was not the problem. The annoying part was the process of submitting everything. Technology was the real culprit, not me and not the class.
  So, thank you, Professor Gorman. I was able to figure out where my frustration was really coming from, and honestly, that is an achievement on its own, knowing what is wrong and why.

What did you learn about chemistry or science in general?

Chemistry, or science in general, has taught me that with the right tools, we can discover how lifeworks. If you are observant and open-minded, you can apply this knowledge to your daily life.
Throughout my experiments, I have consistently seen God’s presence at work. While we may believe we are creating things, we are, in fact, uncovering what already exists in His creation. It is like opening a book and discovering the meanings of the letters inside.
Chemistry and science are like a book that not everyone can read or access. For those who engage with it regularly, I am truly thankful. It is through these individuals who study, embrace, and apply chemistry that we experience the wonders of God’s creation in the form of good health, hygiene, clean environments, nutritious food, an overall better quality of life. This is what I have come to understand about chemistry, science, and God’s role in it all.

What did you learn about study habits and how to study to be successful academically?

To be honest, I did not expect this class to matter as much as it did. At first, it felt like
something imposed on me, just like PE this semester. But looking back, even those classes taught me something valuable: the importance of routine. Everything in life comes down to routine. If you want to move forward, you need to structure a healthy routine that builds you up, not one that tears you down. All my classes have had one common goal: academic success. That is why my GPA is high. That is why I care so much about my grades and seek help when I need it. For me, grades are not just numbers, they reflect effort, both mine and my teachers’. When a student fails, it is rarely because they are incapable; it is often because they did not have the right support. A teacher who cares can make all the difference.
My study habits are strong, but this class reminded me of something I have neglected: taking care of myself. Most days, I barely eat, sometimes just one meal. Supplements and vitamins help, but nothing replaces a wholesome meal. And honestly, that was part of this class: learning to eat well, cook, and use kitchen tools, skills I did not have before. I also learned that rest matters. I am not great at it because I am always working on finishing and submitting my assignments on time.
With seven classes, unhelpful staff, and personal challenges, it is hard and complicated. But here is what I have realized: sleep and food are not optional, they are essential. Without them, no one can thrive, let alone succeed academically.
Success starts with wanting it. If you do not want to succeed, nothing anyone does will help. Hopefully, most of us come to college with that desire. If not, what is the point? And I hope teachers understand that we want to grow, move forward, and never stop learning. The habits I have built with this class are part of a bigger truth: making time for what matters. That is the key to success, not just in school, but in life.

What advice would you give to future online Kitchen Chemistry students?

My advice to others: enjoy the process and learn something useful from it. Chemistry is not just a science; it is a way to understand life if you let it. Don’t just focus on what is in your hands; pay attention to the meaning behind it. Every experiment, every concept has a bigger picture. Observe, think, and connect it to the world around you. That’s where real learning happens.