Learning Curve

Learning. It's an accessible medium. You're never too young or too old to learn something. Whether you're a one month old learning to crawl and express your preference for a bottle (in high-pitched tones) or a forty-something adult learning the mechanics of computer software. We are constantly learning new things. It's one of those things I like about us. We make mistakes all the time. We screw up, but we're all the better for it. Praise for adaptation.

Right now, I'm hoping and praying that truth holds up to final exams. My initial bout with midterms a few weeks ago wasn't something to write home about. All in all, they weren't garbage, mind you. But they could have been much better than they were. Isn't it confounding how you can totally blank out on an exam question, only to get the test back next week, see the "obvious" answer, and smack yourself for not figuring it out. It's a wonder I'm not covered with red slap marks. Only kidding. I don't abuse myself (much).

One thing I learned from last time is that computer science terminology requires in-depth, one-on-one study. So that means it's back to basics with note cards, those lovely little study aides that originated in elementary school. I purchased a whole box of them from CVS (the multi-colored ones, natch), and I'm convinced I'm going to wear out the entire supply before I get into chapter 10 (there are 17 chapters to cover). Sigh. Memory games are fun.

Another thing? It pays to add notes to PowerPoint slides. I'm among the guilty ones who have a tendency to let the PowerPoint do the work for me. But the sad truth is, they are meant to summarize. Summaries omit details. Important details that most definitely show up on the exam. At the same time, there's something to be said about the KISS method (Keep It Simple, Silly). As in, don't bludgeon yourself with more information than is necessary.

Sigh. I really hope I can do well on these finals. My parents keep telling me to do the best I can. But what if my best is a C? I still revolt at the sight of that letter on a grade transcript. I've grown more accepting of Bs, but my drive to be the best is still there. I had it during elementary & middle school. I had it in the race for valedictorian. I still have it now. Is it wrong to have that kind of fighting spirit in academics? Maybe to an extent, yes. But that's how I stay motivated. I've got to have a goal, a target to shoot for, and push my limits as much as I can to nail it. Still, I've learned something from this mindset as well. I'm still a perfectionist, but I've learned to be a non-perfect perfectionist, if that makes any sense. Knowing that no matter what, I'm still loved and accepted by God despite my failures is intensely liberating. Having a tight circle of friends who also love and accept me just for who I am is wonderful. If anything, that motivates me to work even harder. Not to try to earn that love, but in response. How can it not stir you to action? How can you not rejoice at being loved because you're so messed up and flawed?

The love of Christ is funny that way. Thank goodness I'm still learning about it.

Song of the Day: ZOEgirl - "Scream"

Verse of the Day: “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." - 1 John 4:11-12