5 life lessons to learn from taking a first exam

[coffeesnob318]

1. Pay attention to signs. For example, if your instructor sacrifices an hour and a half of her precious lecture time to give you a chance to start reviewing for your exam, this should be a sign unto you that you will need at least an hour and a half to even begin to prepare adequately for said exam.

2. "Challenging" is not the same as "unfair." In fact, at the college level, if your professors do not challenge you, shame on them - they are doing you a disservice.

3. Do not allow a lack of confidence or any other negative emotion to rob you of your focus, causing you to perform below your capability.

4. Although there is something to be said for the adage "it is better to have tried and failed than to have failed to try," you know when you have no idea what you are talking about. At times like these, it is best to just shut the hell up.

[side rant] I think I'm going to start taking additional points off for bullshit. Seriously, what are they thinking? That I'm going to give them extra points for creativity (of course, they would actually have to be creative for that to work)? That I have nothing better to do with my time than waste it reading the mindless drivel of some schmuck who's too lazy to put forth real effort? Let's try putting all that time and energy that they spend trying to be clever into - hey, here's a crazy idea - actually studying. [end rant]

5. Always keep in mind The Big Picture. Regardless of how abysmally you perform on the first exam, there is still plenty of time for grade redemption. It is not the end of the world. To freak out and behave as if it is the end of the world is not only pointless but highly annoying. Contrary to popular belief, the world will keep turning quite nicely even after it discovers that you are not perfect.

Comments

*Grin*

[lilmouse1073.livejournal.com]

ROFLMAO!!! That is good.....

Re: *Grin*

[coffeesnob.livejournal.com]

Glad you enjoyed it! I strive to at least be entertaining when I bitch. :)

Oh, and as of tomorrow, something yummy (and possibly melted together in one lump o' goo, by the time it gets there) your way comes. :)

[ishtar127a.livejournal.com]

WORD! (x5) What really eats me is that industry actually caters to that attitude. As if a diploma automatically guarantees you talk sense or bother to put any effort into your work. And they wonder why the quality of their employees have dropped off... More and more, I'm convinced that people feel a degree should be an easy thing to achieve. And they are right, if you are a dedicated worker and can actually motivate yourself without having someone crack the damn whip over your head to drive you. That's a fundamental difference between gradeschool and advanced work. Grow up, students!

Too often I find students of all ages either able to memorize formulas and steps, but they have no idea what the heck they are to do with it in the real world. And their bosses are divinely convinced of their ability to do anything simply because of the shiny letters after their name. Well, I have a couple of those myself, and I know exactly what they are worth.

Plus people suffer from the delusion that if they have the same degree as someone else, then they automatically deserve the same salary, same job, same perks, etc. as someone else regardless of talent, ability, and work ethic. Bull-puckey!

[coffeesnob.livejournal.com]

Yes, I eagerly await the day when my true worth will be discovered. Unfortunately, that day will probably not come until after I've left and they can't do anything about it. *commences NOT holding her breath*

[sevinish.livejournal.com]

I'm printing that out and pasting it on my wall for next semester :P

[coffeesnob.livejournal.com]

Always glad to inspire... :)

[karyn5101969.livejournal.com]

I'm working on my degree, mostly because I can't get a promotion without one, and I've found that most of the yahoos with the paper have less upstairs than I. I am constantly astounded that these are the folks running the country. Plus, they're pompous. I can't abide that.

[coffeesnob.livejournal.com]

Yeah - if someone is going to be pompous, they should at least merit the attitude. There are few things more annoying than illegitimate conceit.

[wingsonwind.livejournal.com]

Hear ya. Been there. Dealt with that. Hated it. Mentally bashed in heads of whiny students on more than one occasion.

I really really hate it when they show up to class expecting you to be grateful for their presence and expecting to get the grade just for showing up.

Wait until the fall. My rants will ensue. :)

[coffeesnob.livejournal.com]

We may have to form a support group. I had one student who was just in a bitchy mood today. She "didn't agree" with any of my assignments or the way I presented things, and wow - she whined about it. Ummm...did I miss something? Since when do I care if she agrees?! Who gave her that impression? I was two shakes away from telling her that when she busted her butt and got the masters degree she could have an opinion, but until then I would be playing the role of teacher, thank you very much. If this nonsense continues, I'll be (happily) forced to enlighten her.

[wingsonwind.livejournal.com]

Remember that some of them bitch just to bitch. If she didn't like your style, she could have changed sections or waited for another semester to take it.

I can get defensive, too, but only when I feel like my intelligence is really, really insulted. For a while there wasn't much I could say back, but now I fall back on the snotty remark of where I am going to college (sad, I know).

Don't say it to a student; say it here. I'll bring the frosty adult beverages. :)

[coffeesnob.livejournal.com]

Yes...definitely will be making the coffee Irish tonight...