• I have never really liked cramming. However, college just makes it quite impossible to not cram at least one thing every semester. It also doesn’t help that most of my peers are crammers, which makes the experience of collective cramming is quite comforting at the end of the day.
• When it comes to writing my papers, my “magic hour” usually just sets in just before dawn. I try to finish around 1-2 paragraphs early on (even days in advance) and end up taking a long break to review my notes and outlines. Then, I sleep/nap until I wake up at around 3 or 4AM (I don’t even need an alarm for that.) to finish the remaining paragraphs. I always finish on time. Most of my best work are created during those hours.
• All-nighters work best through Skype or YM with my group mates. Nagdadamayan kami. And that works.
• I have my own highlighter system that automatically registers with my brain. I’m incredibly visual with a knack for bright colors, so my system is pretty effective. Three highlighters: orange (general statement), green (key/main term), pink (definition/supporting). And at least 2 colored pens for marginal notes, double emphasis and block quotes.
• I almost always don’t have a notebook, unless the other resource material is a book. I prefer jotting down my notes on the readings themselves. For me, it’s like hitting two birds with one stone when it comes to studying.
• During the start of the semester, I usually screw up one of the first quizzes/papers/assignments given in the beginning. I actually need this to motivate me to do well for the rest. Magaling talaga akong bumawi.
• Consultation is key to understand the style of the teacher. It really, really helps.

These are just the ones I remember. I don’t want to rant about school anymore, but what can you expect from a college student, right?

The cold nights signal the nearing holidays. I love, love, love Christmas and I can’t wait to enjoy the next few weeks, even with all the requirements from my professors. This happy mood maybe from watching Enchanted yesterday. Amy Adams is so adorable. Everyone should go watch it. A feel-good movie like this really does wonders to your mood.