‘A’ surprise

The finals started yesterday. Not very happy with how I felt I did for the Information System Planning paper but as my darling keeps on telling me, past is past. Let it go.Sigh! Okay, I’m letting it be and pray that my result won’t be too bad. Praying hard to have at least a B for that paper. Please!!!!

While I was sort of mourning for this paper, I went to check for my midterm result for Database paper. My first attempt was a disaster. For the first time ever in my higher learning experience, I got a C minus. Sob sob! Luckily, the lecturer felt that we all deserved a second chance and I worked hard for it by redoing the questions and some past test. On that day of test, I was quite panicked seeing the questions that were not really what I expected. However, I thought with my effort I should be able to get at least a B and I was praying hard for it. When I checked my result yesterday, I was shocked to see an A. Hu hu! Me? An A? From C-? I looked at it for a few more seconds while my darling was counting how many among my course-mates got A. Haha! I really can’t believe I finally got A for this database, though it’s only 20% from the total, but to me it’s an achievement. As I always said to my other group members, I’m just not so strong in database, programming and anything that deals with logic. Even one of my group members is surprised to see how much I have improved. Hehe!

As for network paper, I know I’m much stronger than the rest of my group members and I worked very hard to help them. There are 3 parts of  assessment for this paper that contribute 60%. I’m pretty sure I scored high for the first 15% which was subnet test. The lab test was 20% which was a nightmare to our group for one whole day. Then the final part was the packet tracer test that worthed 25%. This test is very interesting and I always enjoy practicing with it. The best part is we can immediately see the result which total in 100%. The lecturer has given us sample of the previous test and I had been practicing with it a few times yet I only managed 96%. On that day for the test, when I saw the test paper that tells us what to configure in the packet tracer, I was a bit shocked to see how different this test with the one we practiced. Nevertheless, I really tried hard to configure one by one and at the end I was stuck at 95%. The test took longer than I expected and I had even promised to my darling that I would be back early after the test. Of course I didn’t manage to go off early and used up all the time to finish the test. The lecturer was willing to give everyone another 15 minutes extension but I didn’t take it and finally gave up and submitted the paper with my 95% score.

The next few days, I heard others talking about their score. I was pretty sure someone must have scored 100% and I even asked around to see whom because I really want to know where I did wrong. My search was fruitless as most of those I know got lesser. When I finally see our marks that carry 60%, I was shocked to see the full mark for that packet tracer test is 95%. Can you believe it? That means I got full 25% and I’m the only one (more surprise!). Hu hu! Imagine how happy I am. For the rest of the assessments, I can’t see the marks but the total for the 60%, I managed another A.  Thank God for that! My other group members got A too and they are so happy. One of them even said that if we don’t go for the final we will still pass the paper. Haha! Of course, we will go for the final. We want our As and it’s nearly in our grasp. Haha!

This is of course not the end of the story. I have a lot more to work on to secure my final As. And I won’t forget to count my blessings and thank my darling for support. He even took leave to accompany me to study at home. He’s so much like my personal supervisor who always check on me and remind me to study, study and study (just imagine him with a cane). Hehe!

Okay, that’s all for now…it’s time to study again…

 

Just my luck

Finally, I can breathe for awhile before I start on second round of presentation and test.

My presentation and report submission for Information Systems Planning course last night have finally put down some burden from my shoulder. I’m happy that it is over. The outcome of our presentation was a surprise to me and my group members. The lecturer’s instruction on this assignment was originally unclear but what I understood was to do a case study on a Malaysian company to see how they align its business and IT. So, I have picked one of the faculty in UM and my team members had done the interview to gather data. Originally, the lecturer had talked about asking us to implement a balance scorecard framework in this assignment but at the end, she said we could do any framework as long as our literature review supports it. We didn’t get any journals on balance scorecard so we didn’t do it. We did something totally different but we knew what our aim was, so we consulted her one week before the presentation about our report.

Before the class yesterday, we saw most of the groups had done the balance scorecard. Only 2 groups (including us) done differently. We were beginning to worry that we were on the wrong direction, but we couldn’t care more as we had no more time. The presentation began around 6:20 p.m. with a brave first group who did the balance scorecard. Unfortunately, they missed important points and got criticized. So did the second group. My group was even more anxious and afraid at that time seeing how much the lecturer asked. We braved it and presented as the third group after a short break. I started off with the introduction and the company profile and my other 2 members continued after me. By the time my third members presenting the discussion and conclusion, it was already near 8 p.m. The lecturer became aware of the time and the number of groups still not yet presented. She didn’t ask any questions but just commented that we did correct on the analysis and discussion part though our presentation sequence was a bit off. She said we should have put the framework first before the company profile. Hu hu! We were the only group that she praised. We were so happy and all my other course mates were congratulating us. What a relief! I’m really grateful to one of my team members who did the great discussions. And I think it’s really our luck that got us through this difficult time. If not because of the timing, I think we would be asked a lot questions too.

The same happened to me and my group for the network lab test last week.  I spent nearly whole day in the lab trying to test my network configuration with my team members. I also made sure they understood the configuration as I heard from another team (who was the first team to do this test) that the lecturer asked a lot of questions and to everyone. If even one member couldn’t answer, marks would be deducted. Network is considered my okay subject so my team members are all looking up to me. I tried very hard to make everything working especially the routers and PCs. But unfortunately, my server was not working fully. That’s where we lost the bonus marks. We were given supposedly 3 hours to do the real device configuration with topology given on the spot. However, the lecturer said he would be rushing for a meeting and asked us to finish in 2.5 hours. We did with the server flaw and as he was in a rush, he only asked us 2 questions which we answered easily. The plus point was he didn’t really check our configuration from A-Z and I truly hope he didn’t realize that some other stuff was not working. Shhh!

Again I think it’s just luck that we survived that test. I heard from other groups that did after us were not doing that well and need to redo the test. I count my blessings and hope my luck will continue to be with me. Thank you all for your support too.

 

Save me, please

It’s the busiest period in my study life. With just barely 2 more weeks until my final exams, everything seems to be having the due dates now. I have to finish multiple assignments at the same time. Preparing for presentations around the same time too. At least my network lab test has been completed though I’m disappointed that it was not perfect and I couldn’t make everything worked, yet I spent nearly the whole day in the lab. Sigh!

Tonight I will be having a presentation and submission of one of the assignments. Please wish me luck. I totally need all my luck for the next few weeks. Sighhhhhhh!

 

5 more weeks

You won’t believe me when I’m telling you that I only have 5 more weeks to go before the semester comes to an end. I can’t believe it myself too, to be honest. However, it’s much expected. Every beginning has an ending. The ending of this semester will bring the beginning of holiday. The ending of the holiday will bring the beginning of another semester. Hehe!

Okay, let check my progress so far in my study. I’m very disappointed with my first midterm result. Can’t blame anyone but myself for my worst result. Lucky for me, the lecturer is going to give us second chance on that midterm. A little bit relief that I have second shot for that and I will do my best this time. I promise. Cross my heart (just like in the movie UP…hehe). My midterm result for SISP is still unknown but I was quite confident that I did good. Very sure I did better than the other midterm. I have completed one assignment for SISP and part of the group assignment for database. There is a subnet test this Thursday and second shot for midterm plus practical lab test next Wednesday. I still have the research project for SISP not yet finished and network lab test not yet tested though the simulation works. The final exam timetable is out. My finals will be on early November, which after that signifies the end of my semester and the beginning of my holiday.

I can’t say I’m looking forward to the end of semester or even the holiday because to achieve the end there’s a lot of hard work still in between. That’s what I dreaded now…Sighhhh…..

 

Stressed out

I have been trying to work hard for my upcoming midterms which start tomorrow. I’m pretty stressed out because I feel I didn’t work hard enough. I didn’t concentrate hard enough. I was distracted with dramas, outing and movie. I know I’m guilty of charge but I couldn’t help myself to follow that exciting dramas. I also couldn’t resist going out with my darling for great food and movie with his friends. I couldn’t deny that I enjoyed a great outing last Saturday. It’s weird that the more I enjoy the more I feel guilty. Life shouldn’t be like that. I should relaxxxxx…Cool it, Jenn…Sigh…

I’m worried about the test tomorrow. I feel a bit blind because I don’t know what’s the format or what will come out. Can I really answer the questions with my understanding? Have I really understand enough? Have I really remember all the terms correctly? Of course, my darling believes I can do it. The only consolation I have is finally I made the network configuration simulation worked. Thanks to his friend. That’s the reason for the great food and movie. On second thought, maybe I deserve the break. Haha!

Okay, I should just stop talking and start reading again…

 

No more sunny…

Okay, no more sunny sunny post today. (Okay, Sdovelly?)

I was not sleeping too well since last weekend. Always dreaming of something and woke up in the middle of the night. Once I woke up and saw the clock at 1:11 a.m. Another time 4:44 a.m. I think it’s either I was too hot at night or I’m just too pressured over studies. I think the latter is more prominent. I just have too many in my hands right now.

I have been reading journals since last weekend about information retrieval (IR). I have started writing the literature review for it as I have group discussion this evening. I still have pending literature review for Information System Planning where I should do 10 journals. There’s also midterm next week for database technology. Midterm for advanced network and information system planning for the week after. I have been working on the network configuration for the lab test too. The simulation is still not working and I don’t know what I did wrong and how to remedy that. Sigh!

Seriously, I no longer looking forward to weekend as it only signifies the end of another week. Also means my due dates are nearer, exam comes sooner and more to learn. Sometimes I miss those times that I didn’t feel tiny bit guilty if I spend whole day watching dramas or DVDs. I miss those times that I can read leisurely. I can’t do all those without feeling anxious or worried so I put away my new Julia Quinn novel and ignore new funny dramas that my sister-in-law downloaded. Sigh!

Don’t you think my world is suddenly so gloomy now??? Hehe!

 

Active reading

I have recently been questioning my own reading skill since I have to do a lot academic readings. I always consider myself a moderate reader, though mostly I only read for leisure which only require passive reading skill. When my life has been embarked on lots of literature reading for academic purposes, I suddenly feel inadequate. I find it hard at times to concentrate or even understand the topic I was reading. It takes me longer than usual to grasp the points and relate them to what I’m learning. I have to admit I have problem with reading and I’m in dire need to improve it.

So, I did a small research on study skills and found a lot recommended solutions. There’s actually a lot of methods in improving one’s study skills. Reading skill is top priority to all students regardless of levels. However, it’s said to be more important to college/university students compared to high school/elementary students, as the former is required to read much more. The saying goes as ‘Reading for a degree’. I couldn’t agree more.

One of the reading methods I’m really interested is active reading. Active reading is a process that engaging the mind through reading critically. By being critical, it means the reader shouldn’t just absorb all information without questioning them. An active reader will not passively let information passes by but will question constantly what the information means and how it can be useful to the reader. It is as if when your eyes see,  your mind reads and at the same time full with question marks, looking for answers.  To complement active reading, reading speed is crucial. It’s said that to become an efficient reader, you should be a fast reader. Apparently, slow reading or mouth while reading will just make your reading less effective and efficient. This is where my problem lies. I’m not actually a fast reader as I like to mouth while reading. It’s true it really slow down reading but I don’t know why I did it. So, now I’m trying hard to practice reading with the mind and make sure my mouth is closed tight.

There’s a famous reading strategy called SQ3R.

S – Survey: take a look at the overall text, look for keywords (normally in bold) or just read the summary to get the general idea.

Q – Question: it’s important to get the mind engaged throughout reading by looking for answers to the questions you have while trying to understand the information.

3R – Read, Recall and Review: keep on reading with questions in mind while looking for answers. Once you finish a section, try to recall the questions and see if you can answer from memory. Once reading is completed, review all questions and see if all the answers have been found.

I have started practising this strategy while I was reading academic journals for my literature review assignment. I find it’s really effective in trying to understand a topic. I have so many questions in mind that it feels like my mind has never rested. It’s good to write down questions and highlight the important points while reading. Highlighting is something I learn from my darling before I found the very same tip while researching study skill. It seems that my darling has better studying skill than I. Hehe! And yet he claims he doesn’t like to read.

How amazing I feel that I have learnt so much more in the last month than in the past few years. In my experience, another good way to learn is by teaching what you have learnt. That’s what I love to do and my first ever student in the past one month, is of course none other than my darling. Haha! Learning is truly incredible.

 

Regret not?

I was pretty stressed up last weekend when I did nothing productive other than watching movies and taking nap. I have never been so anxious about my study before, not even during critical time such as final year in undergraduate or even my wedding. My anxiety and guiltiness had made my darling extremely worried. I guess he had never seen me behave such way before and he was shocked. He kept on telling me that I deserved the break and that I had worked hard enough the previous weeks. I didn’t think so, though.

I suddenly came out of my anxiety and reassessed my situation when my darling asked me this question: “Do you regret enrolling in your masters since it causes you so much stress?” My spontaneous answer was NO. I have never regretted my decision. In fact, I feel that this decision is the best I have ever made (other than agreeing to marry him). Haha! All I can see since the start of my classes a month ago is the endless potential and opportunity to learn. Learning is a lifelong process, in my opinion, and the best place to get it is of course the university. I really love to explore new knowledge and engaging my mind in more. I guess the problem with me now is probably my rusty mind that doesn’t want to get organized. It’s been years since I graduated from college plus the commitment at work, the pressure to do well now has increased thrice-fold.

Nevertheless, I’m not going to give up. I believe I can do it, just like what my darling believes in me. I just need to get myself organized and learn to be an efficient learner. In fact, there’s so much to read, that I have started to learn to be an active and efficient reader. Right now, I just need to set my priority. I have an assignment that requires me to do literature review on 10 journals, which is going to due next month. I have a mid term on early next month too, which requires to read at least 6 chapters. There’s another assignment about Information Retrieval which comprises of literature review plus system design and implementation in Oracle. Not forgetting about the project of configuring a network with routers and switches. Sigh! Wish me luck, okay?

 

Procrastinate no more

The procrastinator queen a.k.a. me is no longer active since last week. I have become the busy bee instead ever since the semester began. Preparing, studying, attending classes and doing assignments have become my routine nowadays. Imagine that it’s only the second week, yet I have lots to do.

I can loudly say that I have never been this hardworking before in my life. Never in PMR, SPM, diploma or even undergraduate degree. My life has been blessed that even though I was never really the hardworking type, my results were still above average and sometimes flying colours. I seriously don’t know what gets into me now that I have strong determination to work hard. Double hard, actually, knowing that I like to procrastinate. The only reason I can think of is my darling. Is it really true that you would become more like your other half when you spend more time together? I wonder sometimes.  My darling is the hardworking type. He doesn’t like to dilly dally with what he wants to do. He’s very determined when he sets his mind to something he wants. I, on the other hand, am the total opposite. However, probably due to spending long time with him, I have become determined too. I suddenly feel that I can’t wait. I can’t delay my works even though they are not as urgent as it seems. I study and prepare before the class (a rare case in my life before this, I tell you). I do the practice and assignment a day after the class (another rare case as I used to put them aside until the very last day before due date). I read up extra information about a new theory/concept I learnt in the class. I search and read journal articles. I search for past students’ theses to get idea how to do one soon.

I’m actually amazed with myself that I have changed since I started the course. I guess I’m actually too nervous and anxious with going to school again after few years out of touch from school. That’s probably why I have this feeling of rushing to get more done. Nevertheless, I truly hope with my extra ‘hardworking’ effort, I can really score better than I used to.

 

Welcome ceremony

I took leave last Friday just to attend the welcome ceremony. Unfortunately, it was cancelled last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Guess what’s the unforeseen circumstances? AH1N1, no kidding. I didn’t realise that UM takes prevention precaution so seriously that the biggest event for our welcome ceremony has been cancelled. A big loss to them, I guess, seeing all the preparation all around campus. So my morning session has been left with nothing much to do. I have to reschedule my itinerary to match my darling’s. He took leave too to take his exam. At the end, I accompanied him to take his crucial exam in the morning. As a reward, he spent me lunch at Chilis’. Hehe!

In the afternoon, I had briefing at the faculty. It’s my first time stepping my feet at my faculty. This is the place that I will spend nights after nights for my classes starting 6 July. There weren’t many people present for the briefing. Not surprise as the last minute mess-up with the cancellation in the morning. I bet many candidates didn’t get the chance to read the email or visit the IPS website on the night before. Nevertheless, we had around 30-40 people attending the briefing and I could see mostly are foreigners. I didn’t realise our university has been so famous to foreigners that one of my soon-to-be coursemates comes from Maldives, fully sponsored by his government. Some that I met are on sponsorship by companies that are giving them one whole year study leave to do fulltime master course. How I envy them! Hehe! But on second thought, it’s not so much fun to be on their shoes though, as they must complete in one year, which is unlikely. The fastest is 3 semesters, at least 1.5 years. The faculty dean has expressed his wish that we all should complete in 4 semesters, at best. Pressure is already building on me. Sigh!

After the briefing, those like me who enrolled in MCS got to meet with the head of the department. We discussed very briefly on issue pertaining to our course. Many had concerns over the specialisations. We have been advised not to worry about specialisation as we can make our choice on second semester, if we want. I had seen the timetable. In this first semester, only 3 core courses are being offered. Some electives from DC, MIS and AI specialisations. I have my concerns over the number of courses to apply versus the number of semesters needed. If I take 4 course in Semester 1, then I can complete my other 4 courses in Semester 2. But as I see it more realistically, it’s not possible to complete in just 2 semesters. I have to take my darling’s sacrifice into consideration. The more I take, the more days I spend attending classes, then the more pitiful my darling will be in commuting home after work. Moreover, he only has one request. No class please on Friday. Hehe! He takes Friday very serious for our dinner outing night. Hehe!

So at this point of time,  I have decided to take 3 courses for this first semester with no Friday class. For specialisation, my darling suggests that I take MIS instead of DC. I will have to think more about it though I somehow agree with him. Registration is on this Thursday. Another half day leave is gone. Sigh! I can’t believe that it’s finally starting. My journey to my postgraduate study. Wish me work hard, okay? As I always tend to procrastinate…hehe!