The Journey to Chemistry: A Personal Story

It is a question that comes to mind from time to time: why did I choose chemistry? The answer, to be honest, is an interesting blend of chance, guidance, and self-discovery.

From Medicine to Chemistry

My journey into science began in school, where my fascination with the subject led me to apply for a medicine course. Medicine was my dream, but my journey took a surprising turn. I faced a significant setback with my performance on the UK's UCAT test, a prerequisite for medical school applications. Despite my ambitions, my performance was less than stellar, and I applied regardless, aiming for an interview. However, the competitive nature of medicine courses left me without any opportunities.

Miraculously, the university still saw potential in me and offered me an alternative path: medical pharmacology. This, too, seemed like a viable option, but a conversation with my chemistry teacher during secondary school set the wheels in motion towards a different destination. After an email inquiry, I was granted permission to switch to a chemistry course. This decision has proven to be the right move. Two years into my MChem course, I find myself excelling and thoroughly enjoying the subject. However, it is not for everyone: many of my peers struggle and lose motivation.

A Quest for Explosives and Beyond

Chemistry, for me, is not just about academic success; it is a passion. A couple of years back, I had the opportunity to converse with a group of experienced chemists at a symposium. When my wife asked the group a simple question, "What made you choose chemistry?" their answers were as varied as their interests. Interestingly, over half of the group, including me, mentioned explosives. The memories of preparing gunpowder from potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal, as well as flash powder from KNO3 and Mg powder, are vivid in my mind. These experiences were not isolated incidents, but part of a broader narrative of childhood curiosity and experimentation.

Our adventures in chemistry were not just about making explosives. Our interest was also sustained by Isaac Asimov's excellent books, 'The World of Carbon' and 'The World of Nitrogen'. These books, now out of print, brought the subject to life for us. I can only imagine what a new generation of chemists might get from a new printing initiated by the American Chemical Society. It could inspire a new wave of fascination and exploration in the subject, much like the experiences that shaped my journey.

Today, as I reflect on my path, I realize that the journey to chemistry was more than just academic success. It was a journey of self-discovery, a quest for understanding, and a celebration of the passion for science. Whether it is the excitement of preparing simple chemical reactions or the thrill of diving into the complexities of molecular interactions, chemistry remains a field that captivates and inspires.

Keywords: chemistry, educational journey, academic interest