Life Meets Faith: The greatest fear

Those who claim that the fear of public speaking is the greatest fear among humans obviously did not ask any college students for input. Of all the many immovable milestones we encounter in life, the end of class and the beginning of exams has to be among the most dreaded.

About once a month, I have the same dream. I dream I am in a course that is impossible for me, chemistry or something else with lots of numbers (they are not my strong suit). Somehow I never seem to get around to going to class.

When the final exam is only a week away I begin to panic. But I survey the situation and realize that I can certainly read the neglected textbook and be on top of the subject matter in time for the test. Only I just don't pick up the tome. The night before the exam I am unable to study, numb, paralyzed, knowing that all is lost. I will fail the course. My college program will collapse. I will never do anything worthwhile.

Though I don't regularly visit the halls of Fanshawe anymore, I can feel anxious vibes about exams emanating across the kilometers from the college to where I am sitting today. Interestingly, more of those waves of fear are sourcing out of the Library and Media Services area than out of Forwell Hall.

Yet, fearful as the approaching hour may be, no one should despair. There is always hope. I am offering here some strategies for coping with the inevitable. This is more than an encouragement to adopt good study habits. Yes, I am offering a proven strategy or two for study. But what is unique about my approach is that it will help prevent study burnout. No one wants to study to the point of letting it consume you. I understand that. So here are my suggestions.

First, by all means, make use of Library and Media Services. They have a lot of good stuff there. Really. But don't isolate yourself like a hermit. Be sure to situate yourself so that if a friend happens to drop by, she will be sure to find you. Friendship can be a powerful force for good. Who knows but that friend may just say the right thing to get you through your study stress. Comments like, "Hey, the rest of us are heading up to the Out Back Shack in 20 minutes," can motivate you to wrap up the study session you began 45 minutes ago.

Another thing: always have some alternate activities close at hand. This is where today's technology is the best! There's nothing as refreshing as hearing the chime on your phone letting you know that one of 1,836 friends has just updated his status. Of course, there are many other ways to avoid having your mind cluttered with equations and facts that, yes, may be of some help during the exam coming up, but are of questionable value when it comes to the larger issues of life such as music purchases and deciding what to wear later in the evening.

This touches on a second point. Having those alternate activities at your fingertips while you are studying will help you keep a balance. As everyone knows, you will always do better during an exam when you go into it with a sense of equilibrium. Knowing a lot can help, sure. But you have to keep the bigger picture in mind - your sense of well-being - and let things unfold as they will.

Finally, remember The Secret. Did you read any of that material a few years ago when it was all over the place? The idea is a profound one. A simple yet unassailable truth. The eighth pillar of wisdom. Here it is: By thinking positive thoughts, you will attract positive results.

In the end, it isn't about study at all! That is so freeing! As I have said, knowing a few things can come in handy. But most of all, imagine - and I mean really imagine - and believe, that no matter what, you will get that "A." One hundred per cent is not unattainable. It is yours for seeing yourself - in your mind's eye as it were - receive that email notification, that report in the mail, that yes, you have done it. You are at the top of your class.

At this time of year, with assignment deadlines and examination schedules jamming up the college's cyber networks, don't lose hope. By keeping balanced and maintaining a positive focus, there is no way you are going to get anything less than an "A." Well, maybe the occasional "B+." But that won't be my fault. I've done all I can for ya.

Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.