Serving as a teaching assistant for Organic Chemistry has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey. What began as a way to reinforce my own understanding quickly evolved into a role that reshaped how I view both chemistry and learning itself.

Helping students navigate the complexities of reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and spectroscopy required me to break down difficult concepts into clear, accessible explanations. In doing so, I developed a deeper appreciation for the subject—seeing how interconnected and elegant organic chemistry truly is. Teaching others forced me to see the logic behind each reaction, the patterns in synthesis, and the beauty in molecular structure that I had previously taken for granted.

More importantly, being a TA shifted my perspective on learning. I used to think success in science was about memorization and problem-solving speed. But guiding students through their frustrations and breakthroughs taught me that understanding takes patience, persistence, and the ability to ask the right questions. I learned to listen more, empathize with different learning styles, and celebrate small victories—both theirs and mine.

Fontanella holding a flask in the chemistry lab

Chemistry samples in test tubes

Test tubes in rack

Sophia Fontanella in Chemistry lab

This role also deepened my love for chemistry. Watching students go from confusion to clarity, and knowing I played a small part in that process, was incredibly fulfilling. It reminded me why I fell in love with the subject in the first place: its ability to explain the world at the molecular level and the joy of solving puzzles with real-world implications.

Ultimately, being a TA didn’t just make me a better chemist—it made me a more thoughtful communicator, a more curious learner, and someone even more passionate about sharing science with others.