Anonymous asked: why did you choose chemical engineering?

Because I like(d) Chemistry and Math. In high school, at least. I discovered that Chemical Engineering isn’t Applied Chemistry. It’s a whirlpool of the three subjects most kids hate — the two aforementioned and Physics. I had to embarrass myself in front of De La Salle’s College of Engineering dean to come to that realization. I can still remember her words,

“Saying that Chemistry is close to Chemical Engineering is a misnomer.”

Aside from my love for Chem and Math, my dad is biased towards ChE, of all the engineering disciplines. I can still remember his words, 

“You can work in Petron.”

What he meant by “can” is “should” or “have to”. My dad is an SMC (San Miguel Corporation, Petron’s parent company) loyalist considering he’s worked there since forever and apparently he wants me to work there, too. (Beeteedubs, I got an internship there this summer, had to backout because of reasons though.)

If you’re planning to take ChE as a degree, be prepared. Learn to love the subjects I’ve mentioned. 

I have always loved my course. I always see myself as a chemical engineer and nothing else (well, I still want to be a veterinarian if given the chance). And now that I’m a year delayed, and on the verge of failing yet another two major subjects (which undoubtedly would add another year to the infinity that is my academics), how come I’m still not studying the way I should be?

Because I still get decent scores even though I don’t study, not that I’m bragging. And by decent, I mean barely passing or barely failing. I can’t find the way to get this idea—actually studying to get safe scores—in my head. 

Up until last Saturday, I was so sure I’m gonna shift out. I even planned the subjects I’m gonna take starting this summer, so I could still graduate on 2014. I know what you’re thinking, I’m on fourth year, why should I shift now? That the better decision is to stay and continue with this degree no matter what. But seeing how flexible and convenient it is to shift to mechanical engineering (I can use my thermodynamics as a stepping stone, even if that means wasting 15 units of Chemistry), made me let loose of this tight grip I have with chemical engineering. 

While I was busy mapping out my way out of ChE, someone from my Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics II class (one subject where I’m in danger) texted me, asking if I’d attend class. I replied, as honest as I could, “no, I’m dropping the class.” He sent me another text the next day, “Ano ba ang layo na ng narating mo para magshift. Pinakita sa class kahapon yung mga standing, mas mataas pa yung iyo kesa sakin eh. :))” (“What? You’ve gone too far with this course to even think about shifting. The standings were shown in class yesterday and yours is even higher than mine.:))”)

And I went on explaining how I grew tired of seeing the same shithole score I get every after exam. He would always rebut my reasons, stating how I should never give up and that I just have to try harder. That conversation somehow got my head back in the game, and his sublime encouragements warmed my heart so much to the extent that I’m actually thinking of staying because of the friends that I have in ChE. This kid never fails to uhm, what do I call this, be the amazing friend that I never knew I have in him. Hehe, I apologize for being that shallow and dramatic about this. 

Bottom line, I’m not going anywhere. 

Challenge accepted.

dancingnerdfighter:

15. Figured a gun to the head was too painless.

14. Because this kind of pressure changes coal into diamonds.

13. The Perry’s Handbook makes a great doorstop.

12. To take open book, open note exams… and still fail.

11. Didn’t need a social life anyways.

10. Those marks left on your face after wearing goggles for 4 hours are so becoming.

9. I thought Fugacity was an Irish liquor… and still do..

8. I mistook Heat Transfer for a sun-bathing class.

7. I want to learn how to use all those buttons on my calculator.

6. What else is there… Business ??!?!?

5. Consider getting more than 3-6 hours of sleep an inefficient use of time.

4. Misread simulation as stimulation

3. The only major where taking an exam drunk does not adversely affect your grade.

2. I always wanted to spend 4 years without seeing the sun.

1. Hell was full.