Delight Springs

Monday, September 30, 2013

The kids are alright

Back from the whirlwind Parents' Weekend, an event designed mainly to reassure parents, especially freshman parents, that the kids are ok. And they are.

She is. That moment on Friday when I first pulled up to the curb outside her dorm and there she stood, thumbing a ride? Made the weekend. Sat in on some classes, found the good beer, enjoyed the park across the street, even had fun at the Saturday football game. And the parting bbq at Central? Just amazing.

But then, the rainy slog home followed by a late-night exam-making session. We do need those contrast experiences, don't we? Speaking of exams...

What's the best way to prepare for mine? I keep telling 'em, don't just memorize stuff. Read, think, re-read, reflect, maybe write a few notes (because writing wires the brain's memory circuits), then relax and get some sleep. Sometimes life is a ballgame, sometimes it's an examination, but you're always better at it when rested and ready.

Here's how to study, and how (when the time comes) not to:

If you want really to do your best in an examination, fling away the book the day before, say to yourself, “I won’t waste another minute on this miserable thing, and I don’t care an iota whether I succeed or not.” Say this sincerely, and feel it; and go out and play, or go to bed and sleep, and I am sure the results next day will encourage you to use the method permanently. William James, “Gospel of Relaxation"

If you’ve been up all night cramming, in other words, good luck. You’ll need it. But if you’ve been diligent, have steeped yourself in the subject all semester long, and either went out to play or to an early bed the night before, your luck will be the residue of design. You’ll do fine. Relax.

But don’t try too hard to relax.
It is needless to say that that is not the way to do it. The way to do it, paradoxical as it may seem, is genuinely not to care whether you are doing it or not.

Care later. On Wednesday. Today & Tuesday just show up and do your best. IGBOK.

But if you didn't this time, next time really read the books. Really.

HTStudy.com HTStudy.orgHTReadABook

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