Chapter 1, Exams

Exam must be the most mystical period of a student's life. It is a test of the many elements making a student:

• Endurance and determination
• Stress
• Book-hammering and wit
• Strategy formulation
• Courage and perseverance

Endurance and determination

"Endurance" is defined to mean "the ability to go through piles and piles and piles and piles and piles of lecture notes (And other reading materials examinable, says Mr Reid)". It requires a strong mind and obedient body.

"Determination", although similar is not identical to the meaning of 'endurance', as it is taken to mean 'the strength to decline all forms of evil distractions albeit the pain in the heart, the tingling sensation in the skin, the wailing in the mind'. Although dependent upon each individual it normally encompasses factors such as:

• Entertainment - I want a PSP (No, u don't need one. . . )
• Energy replenisher - I want an FF12/FF7 Potion (No, it is not yet needed. . . )
• Dining - Japanese buffet, hoshii! (No, sashimi are not fresh lately)
• Literary boost - One Piece . . need Naruto (No, you have exhausted all sources)
  

A very clear picture of endurance and determination. Endurance was shown just by the mere fact LAW was studied while determination was shown by the lack of any distractions, as listed above, seen in this picture. Supporting evidence includes the colourful highligther pens used, signifying the determination to really study law as student endured a complicated colour-coding process in notes.

Stress

"Stress" is usually viewed negatively as "a form of invisible burden resting its entire weight on the shoulders of victims". In this context, the 'victim' is usually identified as 'looking ghastly, performing crazy antics, have extreme personalities and physical changes'. This factor is quantified by the degree or extent of it. For example, a statement like, "I need a Potion to replenish myself after exam' will definitely signify less stress than "I need a Phoenic Down, might die halfway in the exam hall".

This element is always recognized during the exams. So much so that, it has become the most generic of terms in the exam-world. Evidence is that, it is used as a reply for all questions during exam. Examples:

• "Why are you not eating?" "Stress. Exam."
• "Why are you eating so much!" "Stress. Exam."
• "What is that bird over there huh?" "Stress. Exam."

Verdict: Stress has become too generic a term to be used during exam, that it is used without much discrete, rendering the word at times 'dodgy'. Like in this picture, the initial application of 'stress' as a reason for the consumption of ONE cereal bar, was not applied in the right way. To fulfill the meaning of 'stress', the only remedy was subsequent consumption of cookies, sandwiches, chocolate balls, wafer rolls and apples.

Book hammering and wit

"Book hammering" is an unofficial term coined for "prolonged hours in front of a book, be it reading, noting, browsing, stoning". Unlike the more well known term 'studying', there is no need for an intention or even the act of feeding knowledge into the brain. A usual practice for relief of guilt among students, especially in the library.

"Wit" is a loose word meant to mean "the smarty-pants way for selective reading to maximize absorption and at the same time, maximize the utilization of time for other more important matters". The effectiveness of "wit" is usually seen only during the exam itself.

While both terms are extremely related to studying for exams, note the strange contradict that in essence, the exact act of studying is not necessarily present for both elements.

Verdict: Book hammering vs wit. Both elements are not mutually exclusive. As exemplified here, where the vigorous colour-coding to endless streams of words and confusing law bla-bla-blas suddenly brought into this world, a freshly baked apple teacake, all in one blissful morning.

Strategy Formulation

"Strategy formulation" must be the most crucial process during exams. Another process so commonly applied that students no longer implement it consciously or even subconsciously. A lot new models have been seen in the course of the evolution of exam requirements and patterns such as:

• The 25-Minutes Last Minute Study Plan.
• The 'Open-Book-Mah-No-Problem-La'.
• The 'Bet-On-3-Topics-Out-Of-7' Theory.
• The 'Food+food=Stress-buster' Plan.
• The 'Which-subject-more-important/fail-prone' Hierarchy.
• The 'Never-Mind' plan.

Verdict: A picture paints a thousand words. Like mentioned before, the main aim of the strategy formulated by the iron ladies of this Marshall Unit is to battle stress and beat it flat on its face. And so, preparations, props and the proper mindset to carry out the strategy, is shown here.



Courage and perseverance

"Courage" is broadly defined, but in this context means "the ability to conquer fears, face deadly threats and overcome seemingly impossible hurdles, with belief and faith in oneself". It is something held by every single students but not normally utilized to its max, and thus remains hidden in them.

"Perseverance" on the other hand, is related courage as it "enables a student to continue on believing in what they are doing even in the face of utmost danger, disappointment and failure". This is a kind of courage that allows them to carry on and not be defeated by small failures in life.

Both elements, working together, shape what it is of a student in this modern era. But usually it is not expressed in a loud way, as students tend to keep it safe in a small personal part of them. Examples of booster for both elements:

• Positive Songs - Figthing Spirit (GLAY), Koukai (GLAY), Ketsui no asa ni (Aquatimez), Keep Tryin' (Utada).


• Positive Manga - ONE PIECE. ONE PIECE.


• Positive Entertainment - Final Fantasy Games, Kingdom Hearts (Courage . . get it?)


• Positive Activities - Joking with friends and daydreaming.

Verdict: Graphical evidence incorporated. Courage to face a rounder face, arms, tummy, . . .well, in a sum a rounder person that being me. Perseverance to continue fighting for the exams, despite such dangerous threat in life.

FINAL VERDICT

Being a student is certainly not easy, but it is not the hardest thing in the world to accomplish as well. Seeing that, we are actually practising all that is mentioned above and more, students are in fact quite able individuals. Despite the presence of stress, we find a way to mould it into something positive or if all else fails, just beat it to the ground with the clever strategies we formulate. Without the courage and perseverance along with determination and endurance, no strategy could ever be implemented and no exam can ever be conquered. What is left is just a hint of effort for studying, be it book hammering or the usage of mere wit.

In a nutshell, we are all brave pirates of the exam-sea, all looking forward and determined to beat this sea of exams and send the marine-officials (educationers) flying!

GOOD LUCK TO EVERY SINGLE STUDENT THIS EXAM SEASON!

To those who have no need of exams anymore, stuff you.