I got my first assignment back on Saturday. I had been waiting, dreading, waiting, dreading it. I was disappointed with the result - 13/20 - but can honestly say I deserved it and with hindsight, it's more than I should have got. It's still a credit, but that damn little perfectionist voice in my head wanted no less than 20/20. Which is nearly impossible at Uni, especially in the arts.
A battle has raged in my head since that day, but now we have a truce. My first knee-jerk reaction was to give all this up, declare myself a loser, berate my stupidity, tell myself who was I kidding to ever think I could do this. It was a blow for sure, but realism has to be allowed to play the game too.
So, this is what I learnt (after a good talking to myself):
- It was my first assignment attempted for over 10 years. I am bound to be rusty
- I am here to learn - no point getting a perfect score - means I know it all
- There is plenty of margin to improve
- I have learnt where my weakness's are, and where I need to put energy to improve
- 13/20 is not a failure
- Analytical essays are tricky at the best of times.
- I need to work hard at my technical side of writing - that's what let me down, my ideas and argument where well received.
- I need to use less comma's (my lecturers comment!)
I have a new assessment due on 3rd May. I have done a lot of the research and notes, ready to write a draft today. Then the hard work of editing - this is where writers really earn their keep.
I feel good about this - I overcame my natural tendency to give up when things are not perfect. Maybe I am growing up at last!
Congratulations on your mark. You are being a little bit tough on yourself. My first mark at uni was dismal, however you do get better at it as time goes on. My secret as to ensure I had 3 to 4 days to write my essay after having done my research. Only work on it for a few hours each day. Carry around a copy of what you have written as over the day you come up with better ways of writing what you have said.
ReplyDeleteAs you say there is room for improvement. Also each lecturer is different.
Stick with it you will get there even though it doesn't seem or feel like it now.
Thank you Jacana, such kind words and encouragement - you would make an awesome teacher ;-). I have been using your suggestions, little and often and it is certainly better. Thank you xxx
DeleteCongratulations, I am in awe again. Love to hear more, coffee and cake? xxx
ReplyDeleteHey Rae sweety. Thankyou, but not sure I deserve awe! Coffee and Cake and a Chat sounds perfect. Let me know a good time for you and we can make it happen. xx
DeleteThat is a fantastic score and especially for the first one in a long time you can only get better from here on out. To prove I think you are a wonderful writer I have nominated you for a Liebster Blog Award over on my blog today please go take a look :) http://jarrahjungle.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/the-liebster-blog-award-nominations.html
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle! For your encouragement and the Award. I am sitting down today to write my post.
DeleteJodie remember one thing that you may have forgotten. For the person that gets in and gives it a go, success awaits, for all the rest it’s a dream that can never come true.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being one of the few that steps up and does what it takes to get a mark in the first place. Many are envious of your success.
xx Dags
That's wonderful advice, thank you Darryl. Puts a whole new spin on things, you wise man. You have surprised me in your new found skill - writing is your hidden talent.
Delete13/20 sounds pretty good for the first essay you've written in 10 years! Phew. Nothing I hate more than writing an essay. I can waffle at the best of times, except in an essay.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your second one.
Thanks Megan. Funny you should mention waffling - my history teacher told me that many years ago - Good Essay, but a little too much waffle. I always thought the waffle was the interesting part - maybe that's what they call fiction!
Delete