We've got our first graded tests coming up this week and I have to say, I'm not worried. I know some of my friends are quite stressed and so I think "should I be too?" The fact is I've learned a lot about the expectations I have for my study in the last month. There are a few factors that I've had to seriously think about and it's shifted my perspective significantly.
Myth: Everyone can get A+'s
Fact: Unfortunately the vet school are only allowed to give a certain amount of A+'s, A's, etc, according to some policy from someone somewhere. What they are allowed to do however, is scale the marks to the classes results so if the highest was 80%, that would be an A+ but on the flip side a 75% might be a C because it is the lowest mark.
What it means for me: I have to be OK with getting grades I'm not used to getting. I know that sounds quite arrogant, but I really tried hard to get my grades up and for a long time that was what my life was about. To suddenly encounter a school of thought that says "you may get C's because only a few can be at the top of the class" is quite challenging for me and a lot of the class. I've resolved that I don't care about the letters anymore. If I manage to get 80% in a test, I know that's an A- anywhere else, even if I don't get that letter on my record. It means I can demonstrate knowledge of at least 80% of the information I'm being tested on. If I know that I tried to the best of my ability without detriment to my health, I am really, actually, seriously going to be happy. I started of this semester looking towards an A+ average but now I've set my sights to a much more reasonable one.
One of the most important things that people have been trying to get us to understand is that we aren't in a competition anymore. Any pressure I put on myself because I'm worried about how I am compared to others is pointless and just a waste of time and energy. From now on it's time to enjoy the learning and the people I'm with, not spend the next four years straining and stressing. That's how it was leading up to getting in and I can tell you that I do not want to feel like that again. My life is so much more fun now and it's the best thing that's happened. I've even joined a Glee club here at Massey, which is so awesome!
Life is what you make of it, and I've resolved not to make mine all about study. In fact, on the list of priorities it definitely comes below God, friends, food, sleep and joy. It's about finding a balance. I will put in the hours for exams but I will not subject my body to more stress than it needs. I want to look forward to study and to tests and exams and learning, not feel sick thinking about it. I'm here now, and I'm going to enjoy the ride :)
What a thing to come to such wisdom so early on in your life. You have really come a long way and it was an important season for you to work so hard so that you could get into vet. Now it is time to enjoy the learning knowing that you have (with God's help and your friends' and family's) laid down the foundation for the future.
ReplyDeleteAnd, here at home, we think you are Rachel in Glee.