Issue 6 Volume 63
STAFF
Creative editor shenda chimwaso
Creative editor jendayi ferary
relevance editor rechelle smith
editor-in-chief Rebekah Maurice Media editor bianca baston
life editor ashia lennon
illustrator jacqui mccarty
Contributors
ANDREW ORPANA
BrIan Cruz
Lorenzo Rolle
Sabrina Eugene
President’s message
By NISHA JOHNY First off, WE ARE ALMOST DONE!!! Has that hit you yet? At all? I know what HAS hit you and me is the amount of coursework, papers, finals, and projects we gotta prepare for in the next ten to fifteen days. Why is it that we waited until this point in the semester to actually do a whole semester’s work? I am not too sure, but hey, we are indeed almost done. Second off (is that even a thing to say?), HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! Has THAT hit you yet? Yes. It has. I know that some of us have been preparing for Christmas/New Years for more than a month. Come on now, all of us jumped on those Black Friday sales like we owned nothing in the world just to make sure we got the best deals ever and just in case we didn’t survive the semester to be alive for Boxing Day. Again, the question that comes to my mind is, why do we wait until this point in the semester to tackle all of the things we knew we had to do months ago? So many reasons can answer that question. Too many reasons can answer it. Healthy dose of procrastination. Wonderfull addition of distraction. Netflix. (And chill?) Commitments to extra-curricular activities. Leadership stuff. Lazy stuff. Relationships. Events. You name it. We’ve got all sorts of reasons that we can use to justify why we put our body, soul, and mind through this torture every single semester and for some, even more frequently. And somehow, we manage to survive, every single time. It truly amazes me to know that even though we are freaking out right now, we ARE going to survive this semester and come out of it more strongly than ever. But you know what worries me? I am worried that in the midst of all of this, we have forgotten to keep God first. I mean, am I the only one who is guilty of waiting until the very end to go talk to God? I am scared that you and I are so confident in ourselves that we are able to conjure up any sort of excuse or reason to procrastinate on God. And one day, it just might be too late to justify it. So late that we won’t survive it. Okay, I’ll turn it down a notch. That definitely escalated from a 0-100 and I apologize for that. Many times, I only approach God when I need him. And the thing is, he is always there. Waiting. Patiently. And that amazes me so much. God is here for us throughout our ups and downs. In knowing that he is there for you 24/7, you must be encouraged to go to him and speak to him, even when you don’t think you need him. He wants to hear from you because he loves you. Recklessly. So as you journey through the next few days, find yourself in the midst of chaos, and then find yourself out of it, at the nearest Mall shopping, don’t forget to look up and let God know that YOU know he is there. And that you love him. And I’m sure he will wink right back at you and say, “WE ARE ALMOST DONE! HAPPY HOLIDAYS” :)
editor’s message Desperate. Scared. Upset.
“The Worst Christmas Ever Rebekah Maurice”
That’s how I would describe my emotions Christmas Eve 2006. That was the year, the first and last year, that I took part in my church Christmas play. The play, an adaptation of the nativity story ends with everyone gathered around the manger for the final song. When I came on the stage, dressed traditionally as Mary with my fake husband, Joseph, I found in the manger not the plastic baby doll we’d had in rehearsals but rather the director’s actual, real-life, month-old baby boy. He was writhing and crying in the straw manger, already red in the face. I was shocked and then…ANGRY. The director motioned for me to pick up the child, it only cried harder in my arms, likely because I had no idea what I was doing and was probably holding it wrong. As she looked up at me laughing, obviously finding it the funniest thing in the world, I stared at her with fury and resentment. She had put me in a difficult position that I was unprepared for, it was a betrayal and it wasn’t fair. The child shreeched through the whole song, it’s every cry chipping away at my nervous system. I turned to my fake husband begging him to do something but he turned away and pretended he didn’t hear me, as did every other cast member. Somehow as Mary this now became my responsibility and no one was willing to help me, I was just supposed to figure it out on my own. As it’s crying overpowered our voices cast members hissed to me “Do something”, “Make it stop”. I could feel everyone glaring into my back, hating me for not having control of the situation. It seemed like they assumed as a female I was supposed to somehow innately know what to do with a baby. When the song finished and I was freed, the director came for her baby, laughing her head off and expecting me to do the same. I didn’t. I burst into the tears I had been holding, and sobbing harder than her son had, I ran to our car and hid until we could finally leave, feeling Christmas severely ruined. Maybe you’ve figured it out, while this is a real traumatic memory from my childhood it is also an allegory of a much greater tragedy happening in our world today. Today in our world there are an estimated 9 million people displaced because of war in their home country, Syria. They are desperate, scared and upset. They have been thrust violently into a situation they can not control and are unprepared for. They are resented because of the actions of others, and when they beg for help everyone pretends they can’t hear them. The play was actually a play in a play. I didn’t just play Mary, I played a girl who was playing Mary in her school Christmas pageant. The focus of the play was on the main character Leon (his name is Noel backwards) coming to grips with the gravity of his small role. He played the understudy innkeeper and only had one line that he might not even get a chance to say. His line was “There is no room at the inn” over the course of the play he repeated the line multiple times in different inflections and had an entire song contemplating the meaning of those words. It was a trying time for young Leon as he was heartbroken at having to send Mary and Joseph and unborn Jesus away. He relates to their rejection through his own pain and disappointment after not receiving a larger role in the play. Could you imagine being the one to have to turn Jesus away when he was weak and vulnerable? How then can we turn away the people in our world who so desperately need us. Matthew 25:40 says
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
If you want to help the refugees who will be coming to Canada and would like to make them feel more welcome there’s several ways you can help.
Contact an immigrant settlement organization Donate clothing and other goods World Vision Canada says every community in Canada has an “immigrant settlement service” or “refugee settlement organization” that helps to resettle the thousands of immigrants that Canada already welcomes every year. These are the organizations the government will be working through to settle the refugees they have sponsored and many will be eagerly seeking help to help with the sudden influx.
Many settlement organizations will be seeking donations of clothing, household supplies, furniture, toys and more. You’re advised to contact the groups first, find out what they still need and then offer to pitch in.
Help with education
Brewster also suggests taking part in a conversation café to help the new arrivals with their English or French, since learning the language spoken in their Take part in a welcoming event communities is one of the most important ways a Many of these immigrant settlement organizations will newcomer can become connected to the community. be looking for people to organize welcoming events and dinners to introducerefugees to the neighbourMake a donation hood and members of their new communities and to There are lots of local organizations and charities in make them feel at home. need of funds to help with settlement assistance costs. There are also plenty of international humanitarian Send a Letter organizations offering assistance to refugees still in Contact your local immigrant settlement organization camps overseas. and see if they will accept handmade welcome cards and then make up a few “Welcome to Canada” letters Spread the word filled with best wishes. World Vision Canada’s Brewster says the biggest way Canadians can help is to brush up on the basics of the Volunteer to help a refugee get settled Syrian crisis, find out why these refugees have fled Immigrant settlement organizations will also be their homes, and why they are coming to Canada. looking for volunteers to help refugees with the basics There are lots of myths being circulated about these of getting settled in their new community, including new refugees, so Brewster says it’s important to let othfilling out paperwork, driving them to appointments, ers know you value the newcomers and support their showing them the local schools and grocery stores, arrival.1 and assisting them with finding permanent housing.
That year I proclaimed that I’d had the “worst Christmas ever”. I hadn’t. My director had made a mistake, she had done something she thought would bring joy and laughter not pain. No one was hurt and by the time Christmas morning came I had already forgotten what happened. I can’t really compare my experience to that of a Syrian refugee it is too full of privilege, privilege to be in a warm safe church, to have presents under the tree and not only two costumes in the play but a wardrobe full of clothes at home. But if you read my story and sympathised with me then perhaps you can see how much more we should sympathise with and show compassion to these men, women and children seeking refuge, they’re standing at the door and knocking. Will we tell them “There’s no room at the inn?” I didn’t have the “worst Christmas ever” The worst Christmas ever is being left out in the cold, or having no food, or water or shelter. Let’s make sure that isn’t anyone’s reality this Christmas. 1.
Taken from CTV News http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/how-to-help-syrian-refugees-in-your-community-1.2675375
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The Five Senses of Christmas BY Shenda Chimwaso
Oh Christmas morn, embodied with the fresh smell of nutmeg dancing in your nostrils, as you awaken from your sweet slumber to taste eggnog on your tongue. During this crisp cold morn, your mind is elated by the warm thought of all the food you will consume, while you gather with family members who will soon fill the sound space. Placed snug under the Christmas tree are gifts you will give and gifts you will receive, each dressed in green, red and gold wrapping paper, fashioned with pretty bows and dangling ribbons. In this moment your mind is no longer dazed on the silent nights of yesteryear when your head was buried in your books as you tried to push through a long grueling semester that provoked at least one mental breakdown. In this moment it is filled with the silent nights of yesterday as you slept in heavenly peace, rejuvenating your senses for this very day. Oh Christmas morn, when you delightfully roll out of bed to the sounds of Christmas music playing in your ears. And instead of being put off by the repetition of these jolly tunes, you settle into an abundance of joy for you’re happy to be home. In the background Mariah Carey’s voice blares through the speakers, as you prepare for your solo knowing fully well you can’t hit a single high note to save your life. But this merry feeling of simply being is all you want for Christmas. Oh Christmas morn, as you look outside your window to be met by clouds of snow covering the ground, and flakes falling from the sky. You instantly reminisce over memories of your younger days when you would bundle up in a heap of snow gear to race out onto blankets of snow. You then pause on the thought of building a snowman, creating snow angels and toboggan down the hill by your house. You quickly turn your attention to your closet and see your snow boots, acknowledging that there’s no such thing as being too old. Oh Christmas morn, when you find a table filled with breakfast food, made by your sister who never cooks, whilst your mom prepares the Christmas dinner. Sitting on plates are fluffy pancakes that resemble Santa Clause covered in beards made of whip cream. Once everyone is settled around the table you bite your teeth into a cinnamon roll that nestle on your tongue as the apple cider smoothly rolls down your throat. Oh Christmas morn, as different textures surround your house, from the rounded edge of acorns dangling from the rough needles of the pine tree. And underneath the pine tree the feeling of silky smooth wrapping paper masking presents caress your fingertips as you slide them along each side. Above the fireplace soft velvety stockings hang inclosing sweet goodies/with goodies in store. Oh Christmas morn. May all of your senses be joyfully charmed.
It’s not what’s under the tree that matters its who’s around it - - - CHarlie Brown
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In the cusp of snowfalls and fires I feel a longing for Christmas, For a Christmas I never had. For they promised me it was filled with laughter and mistletoes, And the flight of a dozen snow angels smiling in awe As carolers sing praises to the reason for the season. As I fixed my gaze momentarily behind glass windows and curtains, I see the silhouettes of Christmas trees in the midst of living rooms With the excitement of children unwrapping their presents, And the spoils of reunited families. There I stood on the outside looking in Oh how I love the Christmas I never had.
BY Jendayi Ferary
May these bright lights and long flights remind you of who you are, for after a moment here and a few hours there home is no longer too far. So wake up, to the fragrance of home cooked meals yes wake up, for being home never seemed so ideal.
BY Lorenzo Rolle
What Does Christmas Mean to Me?
By: Sabrina Eugene
Christmas means happiness to me. The word alone brings the cheesiest smile to my face. When I was younger, Christmas meant that I was getting presents and good food (specifically the seemingly huge turkey leg that I always fought violently for). Now when I hear Christmas, it means that I get to spend time with the people I love the most, eat all the cookies and food my mom and sister make, and see everyone’s kind and joyful spirit everywhere I go. All these things bring so much joy to my heart. That is partly the reason why I listen to Christmas music all throughout the year. It brings back that feeling. People may judge me for doing so… But, I don’t even mind because I’m in such a good mood. Now people may not like this one, but it is so hard for me to have a Christmas without snow! Yes, I said it! Christmas needs snow! Unfortunately, I had to experience my first Christmas last year without snow in B.C. It felt wrong. And to my dismay, it snowed two days later. Happiness, the cheesiest smile, a turkey leg, family, and snow are the perfect ingredients to the perfect Christmas.
Tried and True Gingerbread Cookies 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (3 sticks), softened 1 cup brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 cup molasses 1 tsp. baking soda 3/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground cloves 2 tsp. ground ginger 5 cups all-purpose f lour In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time until incorporated. Add molasses In a separate bowl, combine the soda, salt, spices, and flour. Add to the wet mixture. Mix until smooth. Before you roll out the dough, you need to let the dough chill for a couple hours.Wrap in plastic wrap and stick in fridge. Once your dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured countertop until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes. While you’re doing this, you should also be preheating your oven to 350 degrees. On a lined or greased baking sheet, bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes.
Devotional Brian Cruz
If someone walked up to you and wanted to donate $3,000 to you, would you reject it? Would you reject $30,000 or $100 million? Is there any amount of money you wouldn’t accept? Is accepting $3,000 different than accepting $100 million? On December 1, 2015, Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, and his wife Dr. Priscilla Chan, decided that they would donate 99% of their Facebook shares to charitable purposes. But this wasn’t the first time Zuckerberg donated some of his fortune. In 2010 he donated $100 million to help improve the public schools of Newark, N.J. As the organization assigned to distribute the money began, some Newark parents were outraged over where the money was allocated.
Around this time of the year we celebrate the riskiest donation ever has the choice to reject the gift, some gifts are seen as more risky than others. Just like giving someone $100 has a riskier connotation than $1, Zuckerberg has decided to make a pretty risky donation, 99% risky. But around this time of the year, whether we view it this way or not, we celebrate the riskiest donation ever. Not that of Zuckerberg’s, but of our Heavenly Father’s. John 3:16 says that God loved the world so much He gave 100% of Himself so that whoever believes in Him would not die but have every opportunity to partake of His riches! Christmas time is frequently seen as a time of gifts and giving, but what kind of gift and how much of giving? The truth is no dollar amount can be placed on the risk Heaven took when Jesus came as a baby to go through the toils and trials of life as we do. Isaiah 53 talks about several things Christ went through so that we could have a better world! When Zuckerberg announced his pledge, he and his wife also announced the birth of their daughter Max. As they described why they were donating so much, they said it was to better the world their daughter would be living in. I sincerely appreciate the intention this family has made for our society. But I can’t help but connect the two incidents together; what God gave and what this family gave and even for why they did it. This Christmas I challenge us all to remember that any form of giving carries the risk that the gift can be rejected, but it does not have to. We can accept the value of what Christ has done that we might have life eternally.
In view of the resistance met over the Newark donation, Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook concerning his newly announced donation saying, “No effort like this is ever going to be without challenges, mistakes and honest differences among people with good intentions.” The fact is, receiving $3,000 or a pledge of 99% of a multi-billion dollar company is no easy task. Like the Newark gift or any gift for that matter, the giver runs the risk of rejection. Because the nature of giving gifts means that the receiver
Music of the Christmas Season
Music of the Christmas Season F L J J T D M X Q S G F H O W G R S A J
D Q U V H U E A N K N F D Q E O A A M X
O E T N G R H W Y X I S O R W D E N R A
Y J C U I N E C B V S I F M I R L T O W
O W Y K N X L V A B S L K D S E C A A A
U F E V T Q H M B C L V N N H S T C V Y
H Y D A N H T F A Y E E L A Y T H L Z I
E R R P E U E L T R G R L L O Y G A B N
A M M V L O B H N A N B F R U E I U O A
R D W T I V F B A C A E W E A M N S M M
W J H P S Z O D S L D L K D M E D I F A
H O S O F R N H M E L L Y N E R I S R N
A Y B T L J W F A E A S V O R R M C O G
T T I E L H O X D R R L Z W R Y E O S E
I O T S E D T O A T E L T R Y G H M T R
H T G U O R E P D S H E J E C E T I Y E
E H B O N X L X I A E B R T H N N N T D
A E O H T H T H V M H E J N R T O G H I
R W L E S T T B A T T L P I I L P T E R
Q O D H R K I F N S K G S W S E U O S H
V R Q T I N L Z Z I R N Y F T M E T N G
I L Q N F K O M I R A I Y Q M E M O O I
Q D H O E P T I L H H J H O A N A W W E
O F Q P H Q B A E C J E U Z S R C N M L
Q G N U T T I N F O R C H R I S T M A S
S Y Y O B R E M M U R D E L T T I L N C
Away in a Manger
Up On the Housetop
Silent Night
Silver Bells
God Rest Ye Merry
O Christmas Tree
Jingle Bells
Gentlemen
Joy to the World
Do You Hear What I Hear?
The First Noel
Little Drummer Boy
Feliz Navidad
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Sleigh Ride
Frosty the Snowman Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
O Little Town of Bethlehem
We Wish You a Merry Christmas Nuttin' for Christmas
Deck the Halls Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Santa Baby
To find the answer to the trivia question, look for a word or phrase that is hidden in the puzzle, but not in the word list
Submit Picture to sachronicles@burmanu.ca For a chance to win a $10 Tims card. In what Christmas song would you sing about Parson Brown,
Trivia:
a circus clown, a bluebird, and a new bird?
Welcome to the Christmas Issue,!,! turn Chronicle Over to keep reading
Answer: _______________________
Amateur Hour Andrew Orpana
Few things get a campus to roar with laughter together like Amateur Hour does. That statement may not be supported by any exhaustive empirical data or surveys, but it is certainly something I’ve experienced the last two years I’ve attended. During my first two years I’ve heard about it being hyped up by people but wasn’t able to attend because of volleyball trips. I didn’t feel like I was missing much at the time…but I was wrong! Amateur Hour is like an iceberg floating in the middle of our campus. You see the posters, you receive the emails, you think about what other things you may do on Saturday night, and then may decide that it is the best option. But before the event, while this campus goes
about its usual activities, some students and teachers are putting hours of practice into a single act they will soon perform. They have an idea, and sometimes that idea meets collaboration, and then that produces work—spending energy, evoking creativity—all building up to a five minute performance. The performances aren’t soon forgotten either. When thinking of last year’s Amateur Hour, the first thing that pops into my mind is Dr. Samraj’s interpretive music video…I’m still speechless, and still laughing…it was genius.
This year Dr. Glatt stepped up from the professors. Her act also had a comedic base, but it hit straight to the heart—highlighting my generation’s struggle of being students who are preoccupied with almost everything but being students. I had been thinking about our dilemma recently and realized from her song that other people noticed it too. It felt strangely good to be exposed and accepted at the same time. But the struggle continues. Also among the performers were Mr. and Mrs. Deibert. A humorously bleak glimpse of married life was given. But while I hope married life doesn’t entail eating garbage, I wouldn’t mind if it included performing acts in talent shows together (maybe not so bleak after all).
Events
Students were able to put on some great acts as well. Lane took first place with his awesome dancing, Morghin, Adrian, Nathan, and Jayden took second place with their jamming jam, and Lorenzo took third place with his crafty poetry. It was not only them, but many students using poetry, comedy, music, and dancing were able to make it into an unforgettable night. Speaking of dancing, my favourite thing had to be Anurag, our cafeteria chef, dancing while participating in a skit with the MC’s. It was one of those moments that encapsulates Amateur Hour for me; getting to know people in ways we don’t usually get to. Like Samraj’s video last year, Chef Anurak takes it this year. Again, this is based off of my own unrestrained laughter and sense of humour. Responses may vary. Maybe this article is turning more into an opinion piece.
Another thing unique to Amateur Hour is the talent of the MC’s. While watching them perform, I forget that I’m even here for something else. I feel that if not a single act showed up, it would still be a smashing success. Can an event have several best parts? The MC’s have also consecutively been the best parts of Amateur Hour. I’m not about to lie in this opinion piece.
some not so intellectual things. Amateur Hour is like an iceberg floating in the middle of our campus, but when it’s all said and done, the whole thing shows… and it’s awesome.
An event with many best parts makes for a great event. There are many things happening which all work together to make a complete ball of fun. There’s a mix of intensity and a lack there of, a mix of truth and humour, and of intentionality and happenstance. What was once hid in hours of practice is brought to the light, and intellectually bombarded students can come, relax, and enjoy
Welcome to the exams Issue,!,! turn Chronicle Over to keep reading
Yoga for Stress Relief and Focus 1
UTKATASANA Chair Pose
Model Vanessa Miller Yoga Instructor
4
Virabhadrasana II
Lower into a squat with arms overhead, palms facing . Hold for 5 seconds, repeat 3 times.
Strengthens the lower body while stretching the upper back. Invigorates and energizes the whole body.
Warrior II
Step into runner’s lunge turn to side and
outstretch arms. Strengthens and stretches the legs helps focus.
3
Bakasana Crow Pose
Start kneeling down with hands on floor. Put toes up on a block and rest knees on upper arm. When you’re ready take your feet off the block and point your toes Improves concentration
2
Garudasane Eagle Pose
Bend knees sightly cross left leg over right. Twist arms so palms face each other, lift to ceiling. Hold for 15- 30 seconds then reverse. Improves concentration.
6
trikanasana
5
tadasana Mountain Pose
Focus on breath Improves posture, helps triangle Pose to feel grounded Straighten legs, bend your torso focus to one side, reach one arm up and one to ankle. Stabilizer Reduces anxiety, stress
7
Viparita Karani Legs-on-the-wall
Hold Pose 5- 15 Minutes Keep legs just firm enough to stay in place. Release weight of belly into torso towards pelvis. Relieves stress and anxiety, calms the nervous system and aids insomnia.
8
Supta Baddha Konasana Reclining bound angle Hold Pose 5-15 minutes
Stretches the inner-thighs and knees Helps relieve the symptoms of stress
9
Savasana Corpse Pose
Hold Pose 5- 15 Minutes
Calms the brain and helps relieve stress Reduces headache, fatigue and insomnia helps to lower blood pressure
Participate in our energy exchange program 4 hours of work per week for 3 months = unlimited yoga for the year. Lacombeyoga.ca
403 782 4466
Playlist
JUST AROUND THE CORNER Bianca Baston a few more hurdles, and it’ll be over. Some calming, encouraging, and above all, beautiful music to de-stress and refocus.
Chord Left
Battles (Lambert Rework)
Arrival In Nara
Helplessness Blues
i Gave it All
Hands in the Garden
10:37
The Starting Line
Everything’s Not Lost
Try Again
Midnight (Jacoo Remix)
Everything Works Out in the End
Agnes Obel
Alt-J
By Aquilo
By Beach House
By ColdPlay
By Coldplay
Long Long Way
By Damien Rice
By DNKL
By Fleet Foxes
By Half Moon Run
By Keane
By Keane
By Kodaline
Photograph
By Arcade Fire
Listen online www.theburmanchronicle.com/playlist
It Always seems impossible until it’is done
TIPS
WHAT NOT TO DO By Shenda Chimwaso and Jendayi Ferary Here is what not to do when it comes to studying for your exams: 1.
While it may be tempting to go out for wings night skip it, there will always be more chicken when your exams are over. Instead try staying in and go over your notes
2.
Save watching a whole TV series for Christmas break, doing this the night before your exam most likely won’t work in your favor.
3.
Try not to eat a really heavy meal while you are in that late night crunch time, you just might fall asleep and wake up with very little time before your exam begins.
4.
Do not try to read 6 chapters the night before the exam. You will only feel overwhelmed, and you will most likely forgetting a lot of things. Start studying ahead of time and remain calm, it will help you memorize‌I mean learn.
5.
Try not to highlight everything. Your page will only look like a coloring book and no, not everything is important. Try taking notes on a separate sheet of paper, and write it in your own words, this will make it easier for you to remember.
Bonus:
Make sure you remain hydrated while studying, and not with coffee but water. And make sure you have enough sleep the night before the exam.
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Staying Alive By Ashia Lennon
TIPS
This is it. We are down to the crunch. It`s a scary and debilitating time. You are a long way from sun kissed adventures of summer but almost at the excitement of poinsettias and a cozy haven of Christmas break. All your efforts from the previous three months have climaxed to this movement… Finals. YOU CAN DO THIS. And if no one tells you, I am proud of you for trying. There might be, who am I kidding… there WILL be tears for a lot of us. We will get frustrated…We just might be tempted to give up… But we won`t. In the words of Thomas Edson “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
Pray… as if your life depended on it!
One of the most beautiful things that happen on our campus during finals is the increased willingness for everyone to PRAY FOR YOU! Faculty, staff, the chaplains, the chef at the café, Ms. Patty at the front desk, Dr. Haynall... Everyone is heightened to this stressful time and literally everyone wants to see you succeed. So whether you solicit prayers, or have personal meditation, or quiet Jesus time - bathe yourself in prayer.
Drink up.
Sorry, not that kind of drink. Water. Hydrate. Hydrate. Your brain will thank you with efficiency!Especially with the air being dry, stashing a bottle or two of some refreshing water will do wonders for your study session.
Rewrite it!
Well you waited till the very last minute didn’t you? Don’t worry, you still have hope! Rewrite your notes! The neoteric act of writing helps with memorization.
Colourful Pens!
Giving your brain a visually appealing sheet may just be the difference between a B- and an A. Highlighting and underlining may be the visual stimulation that will change your grade.
Read ALOUD!
Lovelies, I have a friend who would read her biology notes aloud in a British accent! Hilarious to witness but my dear friend ended up with As with this non-conventional method. Reading aloud and pacing gives your brain more opportunity to participate and reprocess the information.
Revision Notes
There will always be someone in the class who is a better note taker. A lot of ardent students are willing to share their notes for a price. If you are at the other end of the note taking spectrum, a small portion to fork up for something that will aid your studying may just be your saving grace.
Group Study
Ok, some people swear up and down that this works. It really doesn’t work for me. I find I get distracted, or maybe I am being the one distracting others… I dunno. What I can advise is to review your notes beforehand as that helps the group to go faster and cover a larger area of study.
Meet with your Teacher’s Assistant
Strategize guys! The best person to lead you through this valley of the shadow of death is someone who has been through it. These people are your Yoda. They know the professors’ answer preferences and the possible exam format.
GO TO SLEEP & EAT!
In the event that you may forget to do either one. There it is. Go to bed. If it isn’t sticking in your head it won’t happen two hours later. Veni, Vidi, Vici Face your fears. It’s the end of the semester, what more can I say than Congratulations! You`ve made it. After all the doubts and fears and emotional breakdowns and all those hours on Netflix, late nights at BPs, you are finished. See you all next semester Beautiful People! :)
The
EXAMS
ISSUE
Issue 5 Volume 63