If like me, you started your academic year in October you have reached the midway-ish point of your module.
In every module, there is THE TMA. The one you are dreading, the one that makes you rethink your module choice. Too late! The one where you expect to fail – or is that just me?
In two of my modules that was the oral presentation. I can do great live readings in front of an audience; I have done for years. I write poetry and read it, do presentations with no notice, I have led prayers and services…. Tell me I am being marked and, just like in exams, I fall to bits. Exams are the other thing that puts me off modules.
Trying to write TMA 2 this year I was all for changing modules or giving up the whole thing altogether. It was the longest thing I have written for a module so far. Yes, I know, those of you who are passed level 2 are laughing at the back there knowing there is worse to come if I intend to do my MA.
I reach the ‘I can’t do this, what was I thinking?’ point every year. The good news is it lasts less time with each revisit. One of my friends told me helpfully “It’s a degree, it’s supposed to be hard” and yes, she has been there, done that, so she is at least qualified to say it.
The midway-ish point can be when we lose our momentum. The initial enthusiasm has died and the finish line is too far away to see. If you are facing THE TMA at this point hitting reverse sounds tempting.
When you find it hard, take note of the advice in one of my favourite poems by John Greenleaf Whittier “Rest if you must, but don't you quit” https://www.onlythebible.com/Poems/Dont-Quit.html
Trust me, it will all be worth it in the end.
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