Entering college as a biology major, you think you know what you’re getting yourself in to, but trust me, I can assure you, you don’t.
As a freshman, I entered college with AP Biology test scores that were accepted by Siena allowing me to enroll in the Advanced Biology course. The lectures were VERY informative! Almost too informative for a beginning freshman in college just starting to find her way. Despite the abundance of knowledge I was expected to memorize each and every class, my professor was amazing and made the course manageable. Considering every lecture was filled with a flood of science rushing into my brain, there were days when I couldn’t keep my eyes open and I must admit, not all of the information was interesting, but it was also ALWAYS dark in that lecture hall so…. I blame the darkness for triggering my melatonin receptors which were the main reason behind the moments of dozing!
Aside from the lectures, there is a lot of work as a bio major. Though I’m sure all of the majors have their difficulties, being a biology major, I learned how important it is to manage time extremely wisely. That is why my planner and I are best friends now! I advise anyone, not just bio majors, to invest in a cute and fun planner. The more aesthetically pleasing you find this tool to be, the more you’ll want to use it for its true purpose. Look at me, for instance, I’ve become someone who plans out my whole school week in advance because this allows me to stay on track and designate certain times for certain subjects because, although biology is very important, there are other classes that require a bunch of attention too.
I bet many have wondered about the exams. The nights before bio exams are probably some of the most stressful nights of college. I only say this because there is an accumulation of names of proteins and mechanisms of diverse processes and sitting down to study all of this is stressful. I advise HIGHLY against studying in one night. Spacing out your study schedule, especially as a bio major, alleviates my anxiety and, overall, I really believe it helps my memory retention after hours of study. Fortunately, I find bio exams intriguing because my mind likes to think scientifically and problem-solving in bio terms interests me. Working my way through the exams was not too treacherous for me because I think of the questions like little mind games. Take each question step by step, open the folder in your brain where you stored it during your study sesh and use what you know.
Now, as a second-semester sophomore, I am in my 4th college bio-oriented class. I experienced Biology I and II, Cell Biology, and now I am taking Molecular Genetics. Each class has its difficulties and topics of interests and I liked some and disliked others. Trust me, the challenges are real and I’m mentally scathed, slightly, but if you like bio as much as I do, it is worth all the stress, all the tears, all the hours of dedication. Despite my love for biology and confidence in my path now, I have wavered in my decision to pursue this path. The workload pushes limits and causes questions. There have been times when I am not sure what I want to do with my life. I have questioned if bio is right for me. After thinking and letting my confusion settle, I know the biology route is for me and encourages me to work the hardest I have worked before.
On another note, biology does not CONSUME my life. Organic chemistry is pretty life-consuming, but that is a different topic for a different time! Biology sure acts as a large factor, but if it’s going to be a career of mine in the future, I believe that is how it should be. I do not let it rule my life, though. I’m sure we’ve all encountered those bio majors who spend their whole college career studying and devoting everything they have to the study. I am not that kind of bio major. I like to do things for myself on occasion. I enjoy working out daily, I enjoy watching reality TV and Netflix or even going out to eat with my friends from time to time. I believe there is always time to live your life the way you want to live. This all goes back to my advice about time management: if you devote certain times to studying and make sure to pay attention in class, living your life won’t seem impossible! Overworking yourself is never a good thing and enabling yourself to have fun makes biology a lot less daunting and a little more likable.
Listen, if you are planning to major in bio, I support you! I encourage you to begin this battle against and for your mind, but expect what you’re getting yourself into. You must be able to memorize as well as understand many difficult processes. Being able to picture processes in your mind is very important and if mental pictures don’t come easy for you, Youtube videos are SUPER helpful.
To conclude what my life is like as a biology major, it is a roller coaster full of up and downs. The upward climb of the coaster is strenuous and nerve-racking and sometimes unbearable. After that climb, I’m at the peak of the coaster. I see everything I’ve learned and all of the possibilities around me. Then, on the way down, butterflies overwhelm my stomach and a rush fills my being with joy and reassurance that everything will be okay. Soon enough, I’m walking off of that roller coaster. Not merely SURVIVING, but THRIVING.