A Letter To My High School German Teacher

Guten tag, Herr Bradley!

I’ve missed you so much! How have you been? I have been quite busy lately, so I apologize for not keeping in touch. I finished my junior year at Piedmont this past May without my GPA suffering too much. I was quite nervous this past semester because I was taking biochemistry, organic chemistry II, instrumental analysis and a few math classes all at once, so I expected the worst during finals. Luckily my studying paid off and I made it out with A’s in my major classes and my only B in Calculus III (taught by a very hardcore teacher). My major is still chemistry, though I have tacked on a philosophy minor in addition to mathematics, much to the delight of my philosophy professor. My parents often joke that I should major in every major offered. Indeed, I have recently recognized my tendency to take on too much, leading to a condition of atypical depression that frequently leaves me either in a state of emotional paralysis or over-emotional ultra-sensitivity. I have taken steps to attempt to lessen the severity of these. I have also planned to take a lighter load next spring semester and then take most of next summer off to prevent complete burnout. 

Earlier this spring, I applied to several summer research programs and was accepted by all of them, though I did turn down Georgia Tech due to another equally qualified applicant was next in line who had not had a summer experience. To my surprise, UGA’s chemistry department actually called my advisor at Piedmont looking for me and accepted me quite early on, guaranteeing a nice stipend for my short nine week stay. I accepted their offer and began looking for a roommate in Athens, eventually settling in with a nice ecology Ph.D. grad student with whom I get along quite well.

I have been working with a very kind, intelligent professor who specializes in protein NMR and, more specifically, systems involved with breast cancer evolution. The work is intriguing, challenging, and, as with all jobs, has its monotonous moments, though I would not trade my time here for anything; it is also quite rewarding. I have learned so much from my two summers of research, and I hope that these will better prepare me for what may lie ahead in my academic career. My research advisor here wants me to present this project at the regional meeting of the American Chemical Society at Greenville, SC in October. I look forward to it, not only for presenting, but also for networking. I’ll definitely be taking copies of my CV for graduate recruiters.

In other news, I have been volunteering both my time and what little money I have (starving student) to three regional animal shelters, and I plan to continue volunteering to walk dogs and clean pens this coming school year. I have sponsored over eight dogs and cats by paying adoption fees and medical bills, most of which have been adopted to good homes soon thereafter. There are few things that I have found that are more rewarding than working with the animals, and I am sure that they will play a large part in my future, independent of my chosen career path.

I am still the luckiest person alive when it comes to family; they are relentless supporters of any cause I wish to pursue and I cannot be more grateful. The more people I meet in life, the more I am amazed by my parents and grandparents. My paternal grandfather has not been well the past year or so, his health declining due to emphysema. This has been very hard for us all because he has very good days and very bad day. He seems to obsess over death and consistently brings up the will and what will be left for all of us. He serves as the major inspiration for my love of science (he was a chemist for years), so it has been difficult for me to come to terms with his condition, though I am sure that The Man Upstairs has everything taken care of.

Last but certainly not least, I have fallen in love. Jeremy and I have been dating for two years now, and I don’t know what I ever did without him. He is my best friend, and he is such a blessing to me. He has seen both my bright and dark days, and, still, he loves me for me. We have grown to be able to laugh at each other, and also to be there for each other through harder times. I appreciate everything he does for me, and I cannot say enough good things about him. I especially appreciate his supportive attitude regarding my academics–he has always pressed that I should do what makes me happy, no matter the details. 

In closing, I’d like to say that I hope you and your family are well. I think about you all often. Let me know what you’ve been up to when you get a moment!

Much love,

Savannah

–
Savannah Johnson
Piedmont College”The professor talked much about Rhodium,
And then he expounded on Sodium.
His arms he did flail,
Until he turned pale,
And then he fell off of the podium.”

“The Chemistry Department is located near the Psychology Department for
good reason.”  - Allisha Ray (2003)

“The best scientist is open to experience and begins with romance – the idea that anything is possible.” — Ray Bradbury