You know how sometimes you really get caught up in life?
That was me the last while with work, exams, and extra-curriculars all at once.
With first year coming to a close I must say I feel like a really different person from last year. I would say this year I accomplished a lot, learned a lot of skills, and actually learned something from classes (particularly stuff like accounting).
Immediately, what jumps out to me this moment is how fast everything goes. I’ve been working at exams for the past while and it felt really long during the process. But now that I look back at it, it was only about two weeks worth of exams not including the preparation that came before they started (which I must say was inadequate).
I think if I could take anything from this exam experience, the tips I would give are.
1. Really find out what the best method of studying is FOR you; do not get pressured to go study in groups with friends because I would say 95% of the time it is not that useful/very distracting. If it works for you then by all means go but please give studying alone/studying with one or two people in a quiet place a shot.
2. I found that writing key words while reading textbooks (which I didn’t take notes on because I found this to detract from my actual understanding of the book while I was taking these notes) really helps you review the main points while making you able to piece the small details together after a thorough read of your resources.
3. Textbook websites are your best friends. Quick quizzes, chapter summaries, other “key notes”, and even concept maps sometimes.
4. If coffee shops are your thing, go to the same one for a few days. You might just end up getting free cups of coffee and employees that are supportive of you in your endeavour. I went to the Starbucks in Kerrisdale for 7 days in a row for the last stretch.
I would say lastly, self-discipline is probably one of the most important things I developed throughout this experience. Once you get to that point, it’s like seeing the light and taking a new view on life. It’s great 🙂