Robert Carlson poses next to the whiteboard in the 200 building that advertises the event he has ran proudly for almost a decade. The board is always there encouraging students to join in on the magic
Sergio Cisneros
Lantern Staff
A legendary event happens every Friday in the 200 building known to Chemistry students as Magical Mystical Friday. With its extravagant name, the event has a very real impact on the students who attend the event.
The tutoring service in place at Butler is a great tool to use when a student is struggling, so imagine if a professor offered to take over for a tutor once a week, which is what Magical Mystical Friday embodies.
Professor of Chemistry Robert Carlson is the one who runs Magical Mystical.
“I started the Magical Mystical Fridays about 8 to 10 years ago to give Chemistry I and II students an opportunity to learn test taking skills and preparing for the MCAT and PCAT tests,” Carlson said. “It also allows the students to practice problems similar to the ones on the next exam for their class.”
Any student can come in and work on chemistry problems, and he may even be able to help with other science related questions.
Carlson takes some of his free time to offer Magical Mystical Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for students to get the upper hand on course material and get to know the students who attend personally.
“It gives me a chance to connect with my students,” Carlson said. “It allows me to work through problems that are tough for students and show them how to work it out. Working with my students enables them to discover their own unique genius.”
Many students have gone in the past, with Carlson reporting up to 40 students coming to study when finals were around the corner.
One of the many students that has gone in the past is freshman Chalese Honan, who has gained much since she began to attend Magical Mystical Friday this semester.
“I go because it helps me understand what I’ve learned in class better and it gives you one on one help,” Honan said. “And it’s had a huge impact on my test scores, in a positive way. I’ve noticed a drastic improvement in my test scores.”
Not only had it helped her with concepts in chemistry, but Honan also noticed her test taking abilities had improved as well.
“It has also helped me to have better test taking skills and understand the material better,” Honan said. “I love it and would highly recommend it to anyone who needs help.”
Thanks to Magical Mystical Friday giving students the opportunity to learn academic skills and Carlson’s dedication to his students, students have the opportunity to leave Butler prepared to take on the world and any challenges or problems that lie ahead, even if they aren’t equations.