One of the last concepts that was taught in BIOL 102 was genetics. Genes can be recessive or dominant and some have been thoroughly researched (i.e., those connected to blood type, eye colour), but others… not as much. For instance, my mother likes roller coasters, while my dad does not. My siblings and I all do—does that mean a positive response towards roller coasters is the dominant gene in our family?
When I first got dropped off at Queen’s by my parents, it felt like when you’re at the very highest peak of a roller coaster, the moment when the cart is still in equilibrium, not going forward yet, but your mind and body are already preparing for the inevitable drop that is to come. Although the drop is scary, in my experience, roller coaster rides always end quicker than I expect. Similarly, even though the initial adjustment to university was terrifying, and my stomach twisted and tumbled (from homesickness), I found that soon enough I had come into a familiar rhythm.
My new schedule mirrors the mechanics of a Ferris wheel, largely because of its cyclic nature, but in other aspects too. The physics homework, biology lecture quizzes, and my early morning chemistry labs were the slight swing of the ride cart that while yes, a little nauseating, a critical element to the Ferris-wheel-riding experience. Finally getting a good mark is like the moment on the Ferris wheel when you’re high enough that you can see the view of the entire park, and you remember why no matter how much you complain about the long line, you still wait it out every time.
Perhaps if you’ve read my first two installments you could guess that the part I like most about amusement parks is the fair food. Lenny isn’t always able to satiate my cravings, but thankfully, some friends on my floor are very generous with their snacks. My floor’s designated food cart, if you will. Their menu is surprisingly extensive: fruit snacks, peppermint bark, Krispie Kreme doughnuts—even chai lattes. Served with sweet cream cold foam (of course).
Most of my time spent with these friends is occupied by conversations discussing our ever-changing plans regarding what to major in or having (a little too much) fun on Friday nights, but during exams I realized how deeply intertwined the social and academic sides of my life were. By the time exam season rolled around, my catalog of study habits was slowly but surely expanding. One of the methods I equipped myself with was group studying and it played a part in my improvement from midterms. In years prior, I was an extreme promoter of exclusively independent studying. I couldn’t help it; my mouth would end up wandering and—oh no!—suddenly the topic of conversation had evolved from molecular orbital theory to how I tumbled down the stairs and sprained my ankle (true story). When done in a proper and controlled manner, though, group studying showed me what areas I was lacking in, while simultaneously allowing me to further reinforce the topics I did know.
Studying effectively is paramount, but receiving appropriate accommodations made a world of difference. My QSAS meeting was scheduled after my midterm exams and, although the timing was a little unfortunate, this also taught me the importance of booking things on time. Now more than ever because I had no one else to advocate on my behalf.
For those who did not have academic accommodations in place during high school, myself included, it can certainly be daunting to approach. Queen’s has definitely come a long way in destigmatizing mental illness and, in my personal experience, everyone at QSAS was extremely understanding. However, there was still an internal battle of feeling as though I was an imposter, or even cheating for vocalizing what I felt was necessary for me. Like most of the population, I too have made a long list of unrealistic New Year’s resolutions, but one I truly hope to achieve is to not discount anything I accomplish. If I waited in line, I deserve to enjoy the ride.