John Hattaway

Actually, it’s two finals gone. I didn’t have to attend one of the two finals. That makes for a fun day. And, on top of that, I got in “A” in the class for which I did not have to attend the final. Makes for a loverly day – if’n you ask me.

The final that we took (we meaning Erin and I) was the dreaded science class. The professor teaching this leg of the class posted (online) a practice exam. Erin and I spent, pretty much, all day yesterday minus three hours for church and about an hour for tithing settlement, studying for the exam. Her other exam (today) sounded like it went well, she presented on a paper she wrote for her final.

I got to school to talk to some people, an hour or so earlier than normal, and ended up waiting outside of her class until the final was over.

I’ve been reading The Golden Compass and after yesterday’s marathon study session with all things biological science (and a book that I’ve come to loathe), I decided that let the cards fall where they would. Went to class, and the test was passed out. Immediately, the kids in the class (pretty much minus Erin and me), started asking questions, whether they could use notes, etc.

After the test started, the noise continued. Understandably, the professor allowed it to go on until leaning boy started complaining about making a mistake on his final. We were given scratch cards that would tell us, immediately, how we did on the multiple guess section of the test. He wasn’t paying attention and wanted to change his answer. He started to get loud. The professor said, “Move on.”

Several seconds later I said, “This is an opportunity for you to act like an adult, accept what you’ve done, and move on to the next question.”

He shut up. However, much quieter, ever few minutes he would get up, exam in hand, and ask additional questions about the questions and answers. Honestly, I was expecting this behavior from polygamist chick, but Erin tells me this guy is rather annoying and, not surprisingly, complained as often as he felt it necessary.

He asked, “You’re already done?” when I took my test to the front.

I looked at him and said, in my growl voice that carries, “It’s just a test. Of course.”

At that point I wanted to talk to the professor. No love lost there, but when a test is fair, the material provided actually prepares you for the final, and it is proctored in a way that I don’t feel trapped; then it is worth say, “Congratulations,” on.

I have learned, from professors, that someone of my age is better able to critique tests, assignments, and the class with both positive and negative results (for the class) paid more attention to. In this case, even though he (the professor) and I haven’t always gotten on, I did want him to know that I thought his test was good, fair, the study material (and subject matter) matched what he’d tried to teach, and that so long as one prepared, you shouldn’t expect any surprises.

Which is why, as I was taking the test, people complaining and claiming things were confusing or intentional ambiguous, I thought, “Shut up and take the test.”

I am sure that probably came out in my attitude.

I am also very happy that Erin was the second one done.

AND I got an “A” on the What Evolution is Not paper he had us write. I am thinking of posting (just that portion) over at In Order to Write. Guess I will have to decide whether or not that is worth my time and effort. It probably is. I like the story. It is something I think I would’ve enjoyed when I was a fanatic reader of fantasy fiction.

Beyond that, and spending more hours than I care to admit to studying, I think the semester is done. I do have to create a presentation tomorrow and finish a flash animation, but those are things I think I can work through relatively quickly during the day before coming back to work. Other than that, Wednesday is the last final I have, Erin has a couple more she needs to take and then we are done for the year. She is going into the working world full-time and I am looking at 12 months of straight school to get done by this time next year.

I can see the end, though, when I am in the middle of the next semester and ready to pull out my hair, I might not be so enthusiastic.

John Hattaway | smokingpen | Alicia Grey | Clockwork Princess | Cassandra West

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