Thursday, January 16, 2020

A (Re)Introduction to Me!

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica Handwerk and I am a Junior Biochemistry major here at OU. Fun fact: I took the Mythology and Folklore class in the Fall of 2018. I loved it so much I came back for round two! Given that I already wrote a whole bunch about who I am in my "An Introduction to Me" post from last time, I figured I would use this post as a sort of update on my life since then. Go ahead and click on the post title if you want to see the original (there's lots of cute dog pictures!) Feel free to take a look around the rest of the blog while you're there too!

Where I've Been (Present Becomes Past):

The biggest update since last fall is that over the summer my parents finally decided to adopt a dog! After I move halfway across the country of course. Sable is a two and a half (ish) year old German Shepherd/Cattle Dog Mix (we think) from a rescue in Georgia. They picked her up as a stray, so no one is 100% sure of her age or breed. She's not a fan of water, and subsequently baths, but will do just about anything for a piece of string cheese! I had a lot of adventures with this goofball over winter break. She's a HUGE fan of puppuccinos from Starbucks! I have WAY too many pictures/videos of her though, so maybe I'll do a photo dump on a separate post. She is featured in my Favorite Place post though!

Where I Am (Tomorrow Has Arrived):

This semester I am only taking 13 hours. That includes: this class, Physical Chemistry 1 and its lab, Intro to Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology. I am still a member of Alpha Sigma Kappa and I was elected to the executive board this semester as the VP of Finance (aka treasurer). If you are a female or non-binary individual in a STEM major, come check us out! The movie night on January 22nd is open to everyone, regardless of interest in the organization. We've rented out Meacham for a showing of Ferris Bueller's Day Off at 6pm. If you're free that night, come hang out! The theatre seats about 350 people and we'd like for it to not look completely empty, even if you're only there for the show. Popcorn is included (while supplies last)!

Shameless plug for my sorority. Hope to see you there! (Personal Photo)

I am happily living in an apartment this year after spending the last two in the dorms and residential colleges. My parents also let me drive the family car out west in August! I've gotta say, it's crazy how having a "real" apartment and a vehicle this year has made such a difference in my overall happiness and mental health. I'm also working part time as a Community Assistant at Traditions West! Yay adulting!

I also had my 21st birthday over winter break, which was... interesting. I tried to buy a bottle of wine from Walmart when I got back and the lady thought my ID was a fake? I don't know who designed the new Maryland drivers licenses, but I don't blame her for doubting it. They look really weird. She let me get the wine anyways, which is a little concerning, but also not my problem.

Where I'm Going (The Future Looms Ahead):

I've hit the point in my college career where the next stage of life seems to be right around the corner. I'm not ready to be a real adult! I need to be focusing on getting an internship, I guess? I've decided to shift away from my forensic toxicology dreams and am currently leaning more towards something involving environmental sustainability. That may change again before I'm done, but I guess we'll see.

29 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, some serious science classes, Jessica! Hopefully you can use class as a no-idea-is-too-wild creativity zone to get a break from the intensity of your other classes. And look at those cool events: I missed out on the first ones, but I snagged this to have for reference to include in future announcements. The poster is really eye-catching!
    And science in the name of sustainability sounds great to me... there is a lot of nonfiction out there on climate change of course, but one of the best books I've read is actually fiction, and by one of my favorite Indian writers: Amitav Ghosh. It's about climate refugees... and a Bengali goddess; I thought it was fantastic: Gun Island. Maybe you will find some environmental themes you want to explore in a project for this class!

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  2. Good day, Jessica. Science has always interested me but man the classes are tough so I wish you good luck with those. On another note, I love dogs and I have always wanted one. I saw the picture on your favorite place post and I thought it was hilarious. I think it's a great idea to have a post to use as a picture and video dump. I'm sure many people would be interested. Have a great semester!

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  3. Hi Jessica!
    I’m Savanna, it is great to meet you! I loved your idea to link your previous introduction post and use this as a life update. Also, your dogs are adorable! Wow, your semester sounds intense. I hope you are still able to make some time to do some self-care. I could never take that many science classes in the same semester. You are awesome! I agree, having your own place to call home feels so great. I hope you have a wonderful semester, sending you positive thoughts!

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  4. Hey Jessica! I laughed out loud when you said you came back for round two of this class. I can see why you would though; the layout of this class is very free-will and the professor is so nice! I looked back through your other introduction post and your dogs are so cute! I've always wanted a big dog but I could never take care of one in college. Currently I do have a dog living with me but she is 6/7 pounds so she's much easier to take care of!

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  5. Hey Aubrey!
    I took Mythology and Folklore last semester so that is why I am here now. I think that is an interesting way to do your intro and wish I would have thought of that! It is definitely to sweet how much has changed since the last time you took this class. I thought that was funny when the woman thought your ID was fake ha. I had that problem too when I turned 21. I hope this semester goes well for you!

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  6. I am a biology major. That is so exciting. A am a puppy aunt and I can NOT wait until I get my own puppy. I am in a duplex and out of the dorms this year as well and I love it. I am super lucky that I also got to move in with my boyfriend of 8 yrs. I feel the opposite I am so excited to be an adult!

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  7. Jessica,
    I totally feel for you in the new puppy department. In my first ever semester of college, my parents got 2 labradoodle puppies! So not only was I homesick because it was my first time being away from home, but they constantly sent me pictures of the puppers. I am also not ready to be an adult! I am a junior and it is definitely stressing me out how fast it is coming!

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  8. Hey Jessica,

    It's super cool how you have two introductions haha! I thought it was really cool to read about updates in your life a year later. I also loved all the pictures you included, especially the one with the Maryland license. As someone who has lived in Oklahoma a majority my life, I can totally understand why the cashier thought that was fake. Also out of curiosity, are you Biochem pre-med or just Biochem? I've also taken a ton of science classes through my time here at OU so I understand the grind needed to get through them. Good luck with the rest of the semester and it was nice reading about you!

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    1. I'm just biochem, thankfully. A lot of my sorority sisters are pre-med and I don't know how they do it! I'm struggling just to pass some of these classes, let alone pull a 4.0 to get into med school! Which has lead to a few life crisis where I almost changed my major, but it be like that sometimes...

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  9. Hey Jessica,
    Had a good laugh about your 21st birthday story, glad you were able to get that wine! I thought I was the only one who bought alcohol at Wal-Mart on their 21st, mine landed on a Tuesday in the middle of the semester so it had to stay chill. XD
    Also congratulations on getting out of the dorms and getting a car. I've always been lucky enough to have a vehicle and an off-campus apartment, I can't imagine not having either these days. You might say you're not ready to be an adult, but as you can see, its mostly an upgrade. :)
    Good luck on the rest of your journey

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  10. Hi Jessica,

    I loved reading this introduction as changes from your past! That is so awesome your parents finally let you adopt a dog, I feel like everyone deserves to have a dog at some point! Sable seems adorable and like she is a lot of fun, puppacinnos are the best so I understand why she loves them! Your story about the fake id made me laugh because I feel like that is totally something that would happen to me after I am 21 too!

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  11. Jessica,

    I came here because I just read one of your horse stories. I wondered if you loved animals after reading it. Congrats on the dog!
    Also, I love that you have two introductions. I'm enjoying this class so far and I'm thinking about taking it again. It's nice to see that you came back for the second half-I hope you enjoy the class and your last semester at OU.

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  12. Hi Jessica!
    Haha I love how you including a rush flier in your introduction post. Always repping your letters! I'm also from out of state and get weird looks whenever people see my license, especially since it's from Arizona and lasts until 2063, which is apparently the longest lasting license in the United States. I'm gonna have gray hair before I have to replace it.

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  13. Hi Jessica!

    It was fun getting to know about your current status. I’m also a third year majoring in biochemistry. Plus, I’m also taking Intro to Biochem and I’m willing to bet that you have Prof Sims. I’m also willing to bet that you’re taking Molecular Bio with Savage; I have several friends who are taking mbio with her. I’m currently taking Microbiology with Stevenson and he’s a great professor. He made the class optional and online due to the coronavirus outbreak. I hope everything works out for the remaining time of your college career!

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    1. Yes and yes! This is actually my second time taking Intro to Biochem as last semester with Dr. Rama didn't go too well. It looks like we'll all be going online this semester due to the coronavirus! I don't know about a class being optional, but I really hope OU decides to give us the pass/fail option. Lord knows my GPA could use it!

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  14. Hi Jessica!
    I can so relate to not being ready to be a real adult! I also think it's really funny that the lady at Walmart thought your ID was a fake. I kind of like the background on the Maryland ideas though. Would totally use the pattern as a background on my blog. Enjoy the rest of your semester!

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  15. Wow! Forensic toxicology... that sounds soo cool. Can I ask why you've shifted away from it? Round of applause to you for taking p-chem this semester. I can't imagine how it's going to be now that everything is online. I'm on the pre-med track and I can't help but thank myself for getting all my science courses out of the way. I wish you the best of luck in the rest of this semester and going forth - truly! Please take care of yourself. I do hope you're back home now and not stuck in Norman...

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    1. Yep! I'm back home in Maryland. Although to be honest I'd almost rather be in my apartment. I love my family, just at a distance. My change in career focus had to do with extra schooling and availability in Oklahoma. As of right now I'm not "pre" anything and I'd like to keep it that way. Plus everyone's interests tend to change over time.

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  16. Hi Jessica!
    It sounds like some of your life has changed since you last took this course. A new dog! I am a chemical biosciences major, and I still need to take my physical chemistry course and lab. I heard it is a difficult course, so I applaud you for getting through it! I hope you are safe and staying well during this virus pandemic. Life is crazy right now.
    Good luck with everything!

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  17. Hi Jessica!
    Really awesome story about the stray dog being adopted. I have never adopter or rescued a dog, but I hope to do it in the future when I have my own place. That has got to be difficult to take that many science classes. My gpa got hit with a torpedo in the two science for non majors I took. You are definitely will do a better job than me though! Good luck this semester!

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  18. Hey Jessica! Sort of like you I also took the Mythology and Folklore class however it was at the beginning of this semester because I thought I needed a western but I actually needed a non western so I switched a few weeks into the semester. Your story about the stray dog that you adopted was a great story to hear. I love animals myself and have 2 cant and want a dog soon. Best of luck the rest of this semester.

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  19. Hi Jessica! It is great to meet you (even if it is late into the semester)! I can see why you have decided to take Epics of India for a round two after Myth-Folklore! I have really enjoyed this class and its like we have someone in our corner always boosting us when we get our feedback back for our Portfolios/Storybooks! I notice you are taking many science classes that I do not assume are typically online? I hope that the transition to online classes for your science courses have been manageable! Good luck for the remaining semester!

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  20. Hi Jessica! Just when I thought I had sifted through everybody’s work I realized I hadn’t seen yours. I’m a Chemistry Major and I just enrolled into Physical Chemistry this fall semester and I must admit I’m a bit scared. I hope everything is panning out well for you and I look forward to reading some of your work. Best wishes!

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  21. Hi Jessica! Wow, a biochemistry major. I have the utmost respect for this path you've chosen! I'm a microbiology major myself and I can't imagine just how much more rigorous a major such as biochemistry would compose of. I'm also a junior here, and like you said, graduation is right around the corner. And just like you, I'm not quite ready to leave this wonderful place yet! However, I know that it will be fine for the both of us and I wish you the best on your future journeys!

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  22. Hi Jessica

    I also turned 21 over the past winter break and it was definitely an interesting feeling buying alcohol for the first time. it's crazy how different our lives were back in December with all the Corona Virus still going on. That's really cool that you have taken both classes I bet this second time around you already knew what you were doing from the start. Good luck with the rest of your semester!

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  23. Hey Jessica!
    Its great to meet a fellow Junior Biochem major, and let me say I do not envy your schedule this semester! PChem AND biochem seems like a death sentence. Oof. I'm in PChem II this semester, and unfortunately I should warn you that it doesnt get any easier, so make some friends and get ready to buckle down! I will most likely see you in some class at some point, but good luck with the rest of the semester!

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    1. We’ve actually already had a class together (two of you count this one)! I know Ballroom 1 was WAY back in freshman year, so no worries. How fun to bump into each other here!

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  24. Aubrey,
    WOW! That is the very first thought that came to my mind whenever I first read this post! You are so accomplished! I also love your story about the dog that your parents adopted! Two of my dogs are rescues and so is my cat! I promise, there is something about rescue animals that makes them so unique and special.

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  25. Hi Jessica, nice to meet you!! I have also loved this class and would definitely retake a version of it if possible!! Biochemistry is one tuff major, so props to you for also holding office positions in clubs and managing your degree! I don't know too much about environmental sustainability so I'm happy we have people like you who can help figure it out!!

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