Chemistry is one of GC’s well-known science majors. Students take classes like organic chemistry, physics, calculus, biochemistry and many others. There are also two concentrations that students can add: biochemistry and forensic chemistry. There is also a pre-pharmacy track that students can take.
Raven Glover is a senior chemistry major. She plans to be a pharmacist after graduation.
“I want to be a pharmacist,” Glover said. “They said that chemistry was the most applicable major to that, in terms of rigor and coursework.”
One prerequisite that all students have to take is a GC1Y and a GC2Y. The GC1Y is taken first and then the GC2Y. These courses are available to students who are in their freshman and sophomore years. These courses can vary in their descriptions, some being documentary studies, exploring friendship, global challenges and the history of rock and roll. These courses are only a few of a long list of GC1Y and GC2Y courses offered at GC. Glover took the GC2Y HIV and AIDS.
“It was a pleasure taking Dr. Butler’s GC2Y: HIV/AIDS,” Glover said. “Before college, I just wanted to be a pharmacist with no real direction, but that class really got me interested in investigating chronic illnesses in rural communities because that is where their predominant burden is. His class definitely catalyzed my interest in tackling rural health disparities.”
Throughout college, it is important to get involved in organizations and clubs as well as things that are outside of the GC campus. It can help you network and learn more about your interests and your chosen major. Glover makes it a priority to be involved in organizations at GC.
“I am the PR for GC Chem Club, and the social and community outreach chair of the Public Health Student Organization,” Glover said. “I founded the Pre-Pharmacy Association, and I am also involved in GC Student Ambassadors. I am also an intern at the Rural Studies Institute. I am currently investigating the social determinants that impact maternal mortality on HIV- and AIDS-positive mothers in the Black Belt, specifically the Georgia Black Belt.”
Chemistry is a hard major. It takes a lot of time and effort. Glover does not want to hide the fact that it is challenging.
“I love the people,” Glover said. “Chemistry is chemistry, and chemistry is hard. You have to be surrounded by a good group of people and supportive faculty, or else it’s not worth it. Thankfully, it is worth it. Chemistry is also very broad. If you can, try to narrow your interests into something that you really want to do. Even if you can’t, you are still in a widely applicable degree. You will, most likely, not be lost going into the career field after this.”
The chemistry major opens a lot of doors to students in many different career fields. Students can go on to be doctors, chemists, dentists, professors or, in Glover’s case, a pharmacist. This is only to name a few.
With her time at GC closing, Glover has been a part of many different leadership roles in clubs and organizations. She also has completed numerous achievements throughout her college experience. She makes sure that she is proud of what she is doing with her time at GC.
“I am a presidential scholar,” Glover said. “I am in the Leadership Certificate Program, which I am very happy to be a part of. I am also very proud of my pharmacy program, as I just had a meeting with a UGA representative to speak. I am very excited about that. I also love the Honors College discussions and seminars; I love going to those. I am also an intramural champ, which is the highlight of my life.”
Glover wants people to know that you should have fun in college and learn a lot. Learn about yourself, the people around you and from your experiences. She makes it a priority to pursue her passions.
“Your major doesn’t have to be your life,” Glover said. “If you have other passions, feel free to pursue those. Don’t be in a career field that you hate just because it was your first-chosen major. Do whatever you want! I do a ton of different things; time management is huge. Make time for the things that you want to enjoy; you need to make time for those.”
GC has helped catapult Glover into her goal of becoming a pharmacist. She has gained lifelong experiences and connections as well as has been involved in leadership roles. She makes time for the things she loves doing and is grateful for her time at GC.
