Idiot Story during Lab
Through much of Chem, I generally tried my best in making myself have a presence of a smart guy. Every recitation, I was that student answering the most questions because I knew to prepare during the week. When it came to a lab one day, we were to give our id's to our TA before the lab had begun. Then she taught us what to do for the lab. Normally during labs, we only take a certain amount of materials at a time and not everything. When I collected some of the materials needed for part A, I saw some kids getting their ID back and so went to the TA to collect the same. The TA just said "is that it" and I was confused. Apparently, she wanted me to collect all the materials at once and thought I was an idiot for a second. Later that time, I was rinsing out a beaker and the TA said "make sure not to mix chemicals." I thought she was referring to me using soap to rinse out the beaker so I continued rinsing without soap and then began drying it with a paper towl. The TA came up to me and said "No extra chemicals". I was confused. Another student yelled the same thing, before the TA finally confessing that the material in the paper towel was the extra chemical, not the soap. Apparently, the TA had organized the lab in a way where we can fix a step. My lab partner was already rushing through the lab as I was trying to see where he was at. I mistakenly mentioned some steps we should've passed from how the lab was organized and my lab partner kept dead staring at me. Finally, though not legit shouting, loudly started lecturing me on the lab like I was some idiot. We managed to finish the lab, but I kind of broke my reputation from organized student to bumbling idiot in 20 minutes.
Posted May 11, 2025, 4:54 PM UTC