My fun filled and eventful freshman year
Story by Albert Kertho, University of St. Thomas, Minnesota
I had no knowledge about awards in the chemistry department at the University of Saint Thomas (UST) until I received an e-mail congratulating me. At first I thought it was a junk mail but later confirmed that it wasn't. Even if I knew about such awards, I did not think I would be more outstanding than the other classmates. I received the Chemistry Catalyst Award based on my outstanding performance in one year of general chemistry. I got an A in General Chemistry I and an A in General Chemistry II. The award which consisted of a certificate and a small prize is given annually at the Chemistry Department Banquet. Other departmental award winners, as well as graduating seniors and their parents, are honored at this banquet. This year, the banquet was held on Friday, April 18 2009 in the Binz West Dining Room on campus. I was the only international student honored at the dinner. I was so happy that I was recognized for my outstanding performance in the chemistry class. This award is so important to me. I could not believe that I was doing much better than so many students in the class. It was a huge surprise!
Soon after that I took a wise step ahead. I developed close links with the Chemistry faculty. More opportunities opened up. There were many research opportunities in the department and I applied for one. The competition was too stiff that I could not be absorbed. I did not give up for I wanted to keep myself busy in the summer of ‘08 doing research. One of my best chemistry professors advised me to apply for NSF STEP scholarship, to enable me to get involved in research with a chemistry professor. At first I was reluctant to do so, given the fact that the first application did not put me through. I gathered courage, with one of my fellow Ugandan students, and applied. We spent almost the entire spring break writing a ten-page proposal each. Fortunately, we were both awarded the scholarship. The research on "extraction and analysis of perfluorinated chemicals" would take ten weeks, meaning the entire summer was covered I could not hide my joy at that moment. It was unbelievable! However, that did not prevent me from attending the USAP '08 conference in Pennsylvania . I had to take a few days off and fly to UPenn for the conference.
Prior to the research, I was attracted to express my interest to be a Teaching Assistant (TA) in the same chemistry department. At first my General Chemistry II professor advised me to apply for both the TA and Chemistry tutor positions but I declined the latter. I preferred to be a TA instead and I was offered the position as the Fall ‘08 General Chemistry I TA in one of the sections. I was just too happy and thankful to God.
It's just unbelievable that my one year of undergraduate education in the U.S. opened such many opportunities for me. The wonderful experience on a volunteer trip to Guatemala in January, UST international student ambassador team, active involvement in the chemistry department as well as on-campus and off-campus activities are among the many achievements that I can enumerate.