Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library
The uncertainty principle states that the position of an object cannot be known simultaneously with its momentum. The more precisely one quantity can be determined, the less precisely the other is known. In terms of helping you study, yes we can. I am certain of that (see what I did there?… I am “certain” of that… got it?…) You can contact the Connors Family Center, located at O’Neill’s second floor. They offer tutoring assistance in general and organic Chemistry. bit.ly/BC-connors
I’m sorry you’re getting such insufficient sleep at night that you’re falling asleep in class. I think your concern should be more about missing the most crucial hours of your BC education than about your professor’s attitudes, which could be any mix of annoyance, disregard, or concern. I do recommend apologizing to your professor & explaining the reason. I know one college teacher who had been annoyed about a sleeping student until he found out the student was working a full-time night job to pay tuition. If your reasons are less noble, maybe don’t mention them, but commit to changing habits so you can stay awake.
It sounds like the problem might be the sleep and anxiety. If you work to resolve those, the homework might not be a problem. The Office of Health Promotion has some great tips on sleep (bit.ly/BCSleepy) and stress (bit.ly/BCDeStress).
Orgo is one of the subjects I hear about frequently. Most students find it challenging. Things that can help are: forming a study group, getting peer tutoring at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors), and going to your professor’s office hours and asking questions. But there’s no getting around the need to spend a lot of time studying. Best of luck!
First, check the syllabus. There are many possible scenarios for those who have a rocky start; the exams may not have equal weight, the professor may consider improvement in the second exam, they may give options for extra credit. If that’s not the case, I recommend going the the professor’s office hours and having a frank discussion. And, of course, peer tutoring is available at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors).
If someone doesn’t already have 3d imagination, perhaps they could learn it from viewing 3d visualizations of chemical structures, such as with molview.org. These electron-pushing (e-pushing) diagrams might also be helpful: bit.ly/uw-e-pushing
Write them at a rate of 1.5 papers per day? You could try asking for an extension. But it sounds like you could use some support with time management. Academic Coaching at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors) can give you some ideas for how to not wind up in this situation next time.
It’s really a great thing that you get so much joy from your fellow students, but I can see how this could become a problem. Can you explain the situation to your study friends, and ask them to help you out with a more serious environment… just while you’re studying? Afterwards, they can revert to being their hysterically funny selves.
I could answer this, but I’m concerned that maybe you can’t, and you need to be able to. How about getting some friendly peer tutoring at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors)?
Everyone’s best way to study is a little different, so continuing to experiment is a good idea. Some people remember better when they write things down, some when they speak them aloud. Some people need to study different subjects different: one of my helpers who is good with history and English discovered that if he spent four times as much study time on his math courses that his grades went up dramatically. BC also has hundreds of books on study skills–take a look at a few and try a few of their suggestions out. bit.ly/bc-study
![I already had to take 4 years of Theology in High School. Is there any way to fight the system so i don't have to retake it here? I already speak another language kunama. I know that I have to prove I can speak it, but there aren't that many Kunama people. How can I pass the language require[ment]?](https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/AW10182019-02.jpg)
Your academic dean would be the person to contact regarding documenting your Kunama ability, and should also be able to rule on the theology requirement.
A Cornerstone course? I don’t know, but it never hurts to ask someone for help and advice. If there’s a particular course, then I recommend reaching out to the faculty member to discuss options.
What you probably need more than anything is conversation. There’s a Japan Club of BC, but it might be a little inactive. Try emailing them: jcbccontact@gmail.com. If you don’t get a response, try contacting the Office of Student Involvement: bc.edu/osi. Or you can check out these language resources: bit.ly/bc-japanese-resources. Or contact Asian Studies to see if they have additional solutions: bit.ly/bc-asian-studies
Ooooooh, I’m so embarrassed! (And so glad all these post-its cover my blushing!) My helpers should have looked into this more deeply. Well, now we all know! Find the Japanese Club (and many other cultural groups) at the Night Market on Oct 24: bit.ly/bc-night-market. Food! Games! Prizes!
I’m sorry you’re stuck in the B’s. The Connors Family Learning Center (CFLC: bit.ly/BC-connors) has exactly what you need: 1) tutors who can help you get unstuck, and approach your subjects in new ways. 2) An academic coach who can help you adopt new study strategies, because different subjects and different workloads demand a variety of approaches. Good luck! I know you can do this!
It’s distressing, for sure.There could be many reasons. Academic coaching and tutoring at the CFLC (bit.ly/BC-connors) may be just the thing, but I’d also suggest a talk with your advisor. We all want you to succeed here!
Talk this one over with the professor and your advisor, to see how realistic it is to still succeed in this class, and the consequences of withdrawing at this stage. I’m sorry the semester’s started out this way for you.
It works for me very well, but for you living and breathing (and needing food and sleep and showers) types, I think it would get very unpleasant pretty quickly!
As a whole, yes. I can’t speak for all of them. Some may set up what seem like barriers to you, but are intended as challenges to deepen your knowledge of a subject. IOW, they want you to succeed, but they want you to succeed at a challenging level. I recommend a) meeting with the professor to clarify objectives and get help, b) seeing if there’s a tutor for your class at the CFLC (bit.ly/BC-connors), and c) organizing a supportive study group.
My librarian friends who are blessed with lungs say take a deep breath — it’s OK to chill and regroup. I know you’ve heard it before, but life is a marathon, not a sprint. You may want try chemistry again next semester, or, perhaps, it’s time to redirect your academic focus. Consider checking in with your academic advisor. Take a look at the classic, What Color is your Parachute (O’Neill Library HF5383 .B56). Even though it’s for job hunting/career stuff, it may help you think about what gives you joy, your interests, and your strengths.
You’re not a failure! It sounds like you made a very rational decision. I hope you got input from your advisor? Also, if you feel a burning need to learn the material covered in calc II (and you might), you can take it later; this year, or even all your college years, are not your only opportunities.
