NWCC Student Blogger - Christine Leclerc - Northwest Community College Connections

Midterm Mayhem

I KNOW this blog is still new, and maybe I’m moving things too fast since we are still getting to know one another. But I wanted to talk about the dreaded M word. I felt it was a softer blow than the F word; either way, no one likes midterms or finals. Teachers put you through these excruciatingly painful exercises because they are in cahoots with the recipe card, highlighter and energy drink companies. I’m sure of it!

I’m still new to the whole concept of Midterms. I didn’t study a lot for tests in high school; not because I was some genius kid but because I crossed my fingers hoping that I would get at least a 50% pass just for showing up. They had to give me some credit for spelling my name right! Sadly, I am proof that this in fact does not work. After not graduating with my fellow classmates I quickly learned that you actually have to take the textbook out of the plastic wrap, attend classes and try to listen to what the teacher has to say.

As a first year student, I was lost trying to study for midterms. I had my textbook out of the plastic wrap and had even highlighted a few words the textbook already made bold for me. I was in the routine of going to almost all of my classes and even tuned in the teacher for half the class.

Sadly though, I have to admit my study habits were still in the premature stages. I would spend the week before the exam stressing out about it. I would open my textbook to read it, but then I would decide to check the weather forecast quickly before I started. Oh that was depressing, bad idea. Back to the textbook, read one more paragraph. Did they just quote that from a guy named cookie? Mmmm, I haven’t make cookies for a while. Maybe I'll just make cookies before I get into this too far. A few tanned cookies and one fire alarm later, back to the textbook.

Somehow, this painful routine would happen until 9pm the night before the exam. Then I realized I haven’t read anything and I had exactly 12 hours to learn 5 chapters. Who needs sleep when you have a stash of four Rockstars! Three cans of Rockstar and three hours of sleep later and I would show up for my test. I am proud to say this silly routine stayed in first year. Now in second year, I am older and wiser. The craziest thing happened; I have learned where the library is. Apparently tons of people hang out here, it’s like a secret society I never knew about. Proud to say I am a member, even a part of a study group (thanks Michelle!!). I now have a study habit that includes studying days in advance, library hangouts, and learning to read what’s important.

I haven’t given up highlighting bold words or getting drunk off Rockstars, but I feel more confident going into my exams.

I'm sure my battle with midterms and finals will never be over, but at least I'm making positive progress. In an attempt to continually change things for the better, I would love to hear what your routine is. Any little advice you can share I'm sure will help me and others immensely.

The following images came on an email I received called 'why teachers drink.' In the end I guess we're not the only ones stressed out by midterms...

Don't forget to check next Monday for a new post!

Christine Leclerc is NWCC's first ever full-time student blogger! She's a second-year Business Administration student in Terrace who took part in a study exchange to China earlier this year. Over the fall and winter semesters, she'll be giving her take on student life at NWCC. We're excited to see and read her posts and encourage you - the college community - to follow along. She's looking forward to getting your feedback and maybe some inspiration, too, throughout her blogging experience. And in case you're wondering, that's her beloved English bulldog Maddox!

Comments

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Love the definition of fibula ;)

Posted by: Kristine | 10/24/2011 at 06:53 PM

Hey Chris
Good job on the blogging!! Well written, Hope you got your mug back alright and made it thru midterms. It was good working with you over the summer
Diana

Posted by: diana | 10/27/2011 at 06:15 AM