To read or not to read: The Mid-semester Dilemma

 

Photo Credit: Rogue Stitchery

By Olufunmilola Oludare 

Come to think of it, how is wondering or asking if I should read a silly question? Considering the many circumstances surrounding the situation of the average student, is reading really on the cards? How about chasing the bag? scrolling through memes and wondering where it all went wrong? Or at least work out my failed relationships? There are a myriad of things to do with my time but definitely not reading. After all, we're only halfway through the semester and this is not the time for academic sanity or rigorously chasing after deadlines.

Na who first read go first forget abi how oyinbo dey talk am? I'm quite familiar with the 'read-and-forget' cycle. In other words, I have tried reading early in previous semesters, only to end up blanking everything later. This is the story of my academic sojourn in this jungle. Trust me and take it from someone who's been around the block, this is not the time to read! However, I won't leave you with just that, I will drop you codes and scripts on how to decide whether or not to read mid-semester but I'll have you know that my opinion is formed already, if you happen to get a different signal, you're the problem.

First of all, an introduction. May I introduce you to the “jack of all trades, master of none” technique? It is a very effective way to read hundreds of materials at a go. Spoiler alert: the goal is not to understand but to have an idea of each concept. So when the lecturer conducts a surprise test, you can put your ideas into words. At the end of the day, you have something to write, maybe not what the lecturer would have wanted but it is better than a blank page. Now, let me know if there's any reason you'd want to read from the start of the semester when you can read everything in one night with the jack of all trades technique. 

You'd agree with me that, no matter how hard you read, a 100/100 will never happen. It is just a unicorn we're chasing in this crazy academic world, it does not exist. If you are a perfectionist like me, we've both probably lost sleep over it. So, I dare say that, never settle, it's either the perfect score or nothing. This is another reason to ditch those materials because they will not give you a 100/100. I'm not about 'almost perfect’, I want that 100/100, even if it's just a fantasy.

Of all academic endeavour, the worst thing you'd do is lose precious sleep over a 2-unit course. Yes, you're right! I'm talking about GES and those encored courses that do a little too much than they are expected. I'm sure you've been told how potent their power to boost your CGPA is, but the truth is that they don't do anything for you or your CGPA. Besides, what's the essence of working hard for a CGPA that is not perfect? We're perfectionists here, remember? If it's not perfect, it is not worth it. So instead of losing sleep over that utterly useless course, I recommend you add good evening to that good morning you sent to your crush yesterday. I know you'd want to ask how to read for your GES courses. It is very simple: don't read it! Beware, CGPA apologists will prescribe the “don't give up” pills to ease your anxiety but don't break, it is just an opium, it doesn't last long.

Last but not least, stay busy. Being busy is relatively the easiest thing to do and be in this jungle. Busy sleeping, busy cooking, busy gossiping, busy chatting with your cheating man and the crown jewel, busy doing nothing. In all your business, make sure you're not reading. Whenever your friends or guys ask what you've been up to, you can easily slam the busy card on the table. If your friends are not very meddlesome, that explains it but, if they insist on knowing what you've been busy doing, put them in their place. Busy is enough, anything after is nobody's business. These are my parting words to you, don't feel bad or pressured about your reading friends, they have not seen the light and it is your job to show them. In all, do not read.

Till we win!