Tomorrow is my first exam of the first set of finals I will take this year. My learning style has always relied heavily on learning as I write notes, spurred on by panic induced by having no clue what the course is about since I typically have missed most lectures (believe it or not, sometimes there’s even a good reason). I am lucky in that I am quite capable of swallowing a syllabus at the last minute and still performing reasonably well in the exam.
Unfortunately this year there’s the added issue of RSI. My department and the people over at Learning Support have been lovely and understanding. I’m even taking my exams on computer, so that solves the combination of my hand cramps and horrific handwriting in one swoop. The only bit that wasn’t factored in was that I wouldn’t be able to make revision notes for more than about 10 minutes at a time without my hands seizing up. I’ve tried typing them but I just don’t learn anything when I do that.
I am soooo screwed.
Comments (3) Permalink
January 23rd, 2005 at 11:32 PM
If you’re screwed, I’d hate to think of the appropriate terminology to describe my current situation!
January 24th, 2005 at 9:50 PM
Meri, you’ll be fine. Your degree includes coursework so your total grade will not depend only on your actual exams (if only mine had been the same, but hey, who cares if I could translate Euripides or comment on the use of humour in Ovid – I’m a business analyst for chrissake). You have done great projects and you have also spent a year in industry at a blue chip firm who will give you sparkling references, so you’re guaranteed a great job. The worst that can happen is you might get a mediocre first rather than the top one! Now go back to work!
January 25th, 2005 at 1:00 AM
LOL, thanks for the encouragement Luce! The exam didn’t go particularly well and my key concern at the moment is the insane level of pain in my hands (and in truth all the way up to my shoulders), whenever I try to hold a pen or write anything. Doesn’t bode well for the next few exams which are all on Thursday! :-\