As much as I love writing, I find it impossible to blog during exams. Nothing exciting ever happens then, just a monotonous chant of sleep-study-sleep-study-sleep-study and it never seems to end.
However, this semester was slightly different. When the worst was over, when I’d joyously handed in that final answer script in exchange for the life I once had, I realised something significant had happened.
Even though this semester was probably the toughest thing in the Renaissance Engineering Programme (REP) so far, it brought out the best in my classmates.
This examination season, the spirit of giving in the REP family was stronger than one might find during Christmas. So, I dedicate this blog post to the students of the REP family, the people who have consciously or unconsciously rescued me and our fellow classmates from the recent carnage.
Consider this my way of saying thanks, an ode if you will, to my awesome classmates and to everyone who goes out of their way to help their fellow classmates during exams:
#1 The Good Guy Greg(s): “Manages to solve the most difficult tutorial—makes sure everyone else knows how to do it too.” Good guy Greg(s) are the amazing individuals who are not just brilliant enough to figure out the toughest of questions but are also kind enough to share their solutions with others and teach the difficult concepts if need be. One would expect university to be very competitive, where everyone’s grades are directly or indirectly contingent on how others do. So it is heartening to find individuals who care about others’ learning as much as their own. Hats off to them and may their good karma be returned in good grades!
#2 The Red(s): Morgan Freeman’s character, Red, in The Shawshank Redemption famously said: “I’m known to locate certain things from time to time.” Well, the Red(s) are the people who have a talent for finding things, whether it is reference material from other universities, links to past year papers’ open courseware websites or e-books. The best part is their services are free, motivated entirely by altruism and the understanding that we are all in this together. They are the ones everyone goes to when in need of resources, and despite a heavy demand for their special skills, they never say no. Absolutely commendable!
#3 The Secret Santas: They are the magical people who bring Christmas a month early. They lovingly prepare welfare packages for everyone, with a little bit of everything and an extra dose of coffee. They like to spread love and smiles and although the welfare packages may not meet all your multiple exam needs, they definitely meet your need for a little motivation and happiness to keep you going.
#4 The Listeners: These individuals play an important and special role. During exams, when the need to complain completely overpowers you and you need someone to confide your deepest insecurities and darkest fears in, or even someone to just incessantly whine to, they are the ones who will lend a patient and listening ear. They’ll let you vent out your frustration and nod empathetically with a frequent “It gets better”, “Of course, you can do it” or other similarly encouraging, albeit clichéd, remarks. Their faith in you makes you feel stronger about yourself. Some of their calm and confidence wears off on you and their presence is a constant reminder of how important good friends are during times of need.
#5 The Spongebob Squarepants: The cheerful ones. The ones who are always smiling. The ones who refuse to let exams suck life’s zeal out of them. They are the inspirational people, who are bright, cheerful and fabulous even during exams; who wish you luck with a broad grin on their faces; who successfully manage to cheer you up even after a badly written exam. Their spirits are so contagious that it is humanly impossible to stay gloomy around them. They are also the first ones to scream “HAPPY HOLIDAYS!” after the last test and jolt everyone out of the exam stupor and into the festive mood. Kudos to their undying enthusiasm!
You may see your friends in one or more of these categories. I am sure all of us have such amazing friends who have helped us tide through life’s challenges, especially exams.
These holidays, take a moment to show them our appreciation, to thank them for everything they have done for us. That’s one way we can spread the love this festive season!
Congratulations on having survived your exams! Have a good break.
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