Struggling with ORGO, Conquering Fears, and Refusing the Ideal of Easy Perfection: Interview with Tom Silldorff, Continuation
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In the heart of the "Student Life" section, an inspiring article titled "Reflections on Fear, 'Failure,' & the Beauty of Organic Chemistry Part 1: Thank You ORGO LEGEND Tom Silldorff" has been published. The article sheds light on the journey of Tom Silldorff, a student known for his dedication and perseverance in the challenging field of Organic Chemistry (Orgo).
Tom, a passionate chemistry enthusiast, shares his experiences and insights, offering valuable advice for students who may be apprehensive about tackling Orgo. He expresses a wish for an option to bypass the lab portion of the course, acknowledging the challenges it poses for non-STEM students, but finds comfort and a sense of belonging in the subject itself, referring to it as his 'home in chemistry.'
Despite facing difficulties in courses such as MOL214, biochemistry, and the chemistry core lab, Tom perseveres, preparing for his final few 50-hour weekly Orgo study sessions. His email address is available for students seeking guidance on Orgo or chemistry in general.
Amaya Dressler '25, the Social Sciences Correspondent, has written an article about Tom's perspective on Orgo, delving into his experiences and offering insights into the mindset required in a STEM class. The article also highlights the autonomy students have in understanding the material, emphasizing it as an important part of the learning process.
The article also mentions another related piece, "The Point of the Lab Component: It's not Just Three Hours of Misery for the Sake of it," found in the "Lab Research" section. This article discusses the significance of the lab component in Orgo, debunking the misconception that it is merely a tedious requirement.
Tom can often be found in the NCW dining hall when he is not at Frick, and students can find his phone number on the undergraduate course assistant list during exam weeks. His willingness to help is evident, as he encourages students to reach out to him with any questions or concerns they may have.
One piece of advice Silldorff would give to students nervous about taking Orgo is that it will be okay, and they might find success and comfort in the course. He emphasizes the qualitative nature of Orgo, requiring the recognition of trends and patterns, and the ability to break down complex molecules into manageable pieces.
By adopting a multi-faceted and active learning approach, students can prepare for the challenges of Orgo and maximize their growth. This approach includes using diverse learning resources, emphasizing repetition and active problem-solving, focusing on understanding the reasoning behind concepts, practicing time management, seeking help early, engaging with practical lab work at a manageable scale, and adopting a holistic view of organic chemistry.
Combining these strategies can make Orgo more manageable and rewarding, helping students not only succeed academically but also gain valuable critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for growth in the field.
Another article titled "No Experience Necessary: An Interview with Delaan Nedd '25" is also found in the "Lab Research" section, offering a different perspective on the lab component and the journey of a student in the field of chemistry.
Tom Silldorff's journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of organic chemistry. His willingness to help and share his experiences makes him an invaluable resource for students navigating the challenging world of Orgo.
Education and self-development are intertwined in Tom Silldorff's journey, as he learns and grows through personal experiences in Organic Chemistry. His dedication to the subject, exemplified by his upcoming 50-hour study sessions, showcases the importance of persistence in learning.
Learning from Tom's insights, students can discover the value of an active learning approach for their own growth in Organic Chemistry, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
