Hey everyone,
So, I have some news to share about my steno exam. As you guys know, I've been working super hard to prepare, spending countless hours practicing my shorthand and typing skills. I was originally scheduled to take the exam on June 8th, but there's been a change of plans. The exam has been postponed to August 8th. I know, I know, it's a bit of a bummer, but I'm trying to stay positive and use this extra time to my advantage.
Understanding the Postponement
First off, let's talk about why this postponement even happened. Exam postponements can occur for a variety of reasons, and it's not always something the candidates have control over. Sometimes, it's due to administrative issues, like scheduling conflicts or unforeseen circumstances at the testing center. Other times, it could be due to a need to update the exam materials or address some technical difficulties. Whatever the reason, it's important to understand that these things happen, and the best thing we can do is roll with the punches and make the most of the situation. In my case, the official reason cited was [insert official reason if known, otherwise say: "an administrative issue," or "unforeseen circumstances"]. While it's a little frustrating not to have a super specific explanation, I'm focusing on what I can control, which is my preparation.
When you find out your exam is postponed, the first thing you might feel is a wave of disappointment. You've likely put in a lot of effort already, and the finish line seemed so close. It's perfectly okay to feel a little deflated. Allow yourself that moment, but don't let it derail your momentum. The key is to shift your mindset from frustration to opportunity. This extra time is a gift – a chance to solidify your skills, target your weaknesses, and go into the exam feeling even more confident. Think of it as a second training camp, a chance to fine-tune your performance and come back stronger than ever. I'm personally viewing this as an opportunity to really drill down on some of the areas where I feel less confident, like [mention specific areas, e.g., specific briefs, number drills, etc.].
My Initial Reaction and How I'm Coping
Okay, so when I first heard the news, my initial reaction was a mix of frustration and relief, to be honest. On one hand, I was bummed because I had geared myself up for June 8th, and I was ready to get it over with. All that studying and practice felt like it was leading somewhere, and suddenly, the destination was pushed further away. But on the other hand, a tiny part of me felt relieved. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and there's always that nagging feeling that I could have studied more or practiced harder. So, in a weird way, the postponement gave me a bit of breathing room, a chance to really polish my skills and go into the exam feeling 100% prepared.
To cope with the postponement, I've been trying to stay positive and proactive. It's easy to let disappointment turn into discouragement, but that's the last thing I want. So, I've made a conscious effort to reframe the situation in my mind. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I'm viewing it as an opportunity. This extra time is a chance to strengthen my weak areas, refine my techniques, and build even more confidence. I'm also trying to maintain a healthy routine and avoid burnout. It's tempting to cram even more now, but I know that's not sustainable in the long run. So, I'm sticking to my study schedule, making sure to take breaks, and incorporating activities I enjoy to stay refreshed and motivated.
One of the most helpful things I've done is connect with other steno students who are also affected by the postponement. Sharing our experiences and supporting each other has made a huge difference. It's reassuring to know that I'm not alone in this, and we can all learn from each other. We've been exchanging tips, sharing resources, and just offering words of encouragement. This sense of community has been invaluable in keeping my spirits up and staying focused on my goals.
Adjusting My Study Plan
So, with the exam now scheduled for August 8th, I've had to make some adjustments to my study plan. The original plan was geared towards a June 8th exam, so it's no longer quite as relevant. The biggest change is the timeline. I now have two extra months to work with, which is a significant amount of time. I need to use this time wisely, focusing on the areas where I can make the most improvement.
Here's a breakdown of how I'm adjusting my steno study plan: First, I’m reassessing my strengths and weaknesses. I'm taking a step back to really evaluate where I'm at. What are my strongest skills? What are the areas where I struggle the most? To do this, I'm going back to some practice exams and identifying the types of errors I'm making. Are there specific briefs I'm consistently missing? Am I struggling with certain types of vocabulary? Am I making too many typos? Once I have a clear picture of my strengths and weaknesses, I can tailor my study plan to address my specific needs.
Second, I’m focusing on targeted practice. Instead of just doing general practice, I'm now focusing on the areas where I need the most improvement. For example, if I'm struggling with a particular brief, I'll drill that brief repeatedly until it becomes second nature. If I'm having trouble with a certain type of vocabulary, I'll create flashcards and review them regularly. I'm also using targeted practice exercises to improve my speed and accuracy. I might focus on writing at a slightly slower speed to ensure accuracy, and then gradually increase my speed as I become more confident. I believe targeted practice is much more effective than just doing general practice, because it allows me to address my specific weaknesses and make the most of my study time.
Third, I’m incorporating more timed drills. Now that I have more time, I can incorporate more timed drills into my study plan. Timed drills are a great way to build speed and accuracy under pressure. I'm using a variety of timed drills, including dictation exercises, transcription exercises, and reading exercises. I'm also timing myself when I'm practicing briefs and vocabulary. This helps me get a sense of how quickly I can recall the information and write it down.
Finally, I’m maintaining a consistent routine. Even though the exam has been postponed, it's important to maintain a consistent study routine. This helps me stay focused and motivated, and it prevents me from getting burnt out. I'm sticking to my study schedule as much as possible, and I'm making sure to take breaks when I need them. I'm also incorporating other activities into my routine, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with friends and family. This helps me stay balanced and prevents me from getting too stressed out.
Tips for Others Facing Exam Postponements
If you're also dealing with an exam postponement, here's my advice: First, allow yourself to feel your feelings. It's okay to be disappointed, frustrated, or even angry. Don't try to suppress those emotions. Acknowledge them, process them, and then move on. Give yourself a little time to adjust to the news before you start making plans.
Second, reframe the situation. Once you've allowed yourself to feel your feelings, try to reframe the postponement as an opportunity. Instead of seeing it as a setback, view it as a chance to improve your skills and build your confidence. This shift in mindset can make a big difference in how you approach the extra time. Third, reassess your study plan. Take a look at your existing study plan and determine how you need to adjust it. Do you need to change your timeline? Do you need to focus on different areas? Do you need to incorporate new study techniques?
Fourth, stay connected with others. If you know other people who are also affected by the postponement, connect with them. Share your experiences, offer support, and learn from each other. Having a sense of community can make a big difference in your motivation and morale. Fifth, maintain a positive attitude. It's not always easy, but try to maintain a positive attitude. Focus on what you can control, and don't dwell on the things you can't control. Believe in yourself, and know that you'll get through this. Sixth, take care of yourself. Exam postponements can be stressful, so it's important to take care of your physical and mental health. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. Also, make time for activities you enjoy, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Finally, stay focused on your goals. Remember why you're taking this exam in the first place, and keep your eyes on the prize. Don't let the postponement derail your progress. Use this extra time to prepare even more thoroughly, and go into the exam feeling confident and ready to succeed.
Looking Ahead to August 8th
So, August 8th is the new date, and I'm determined to make the most of the extra time I have. I'm feeling more motivated than ever to ace this exam. I'm sticking to my adjusted study plan, staying connected with my fellow steno students, and maintaining a positive attitude. I know that with hard work and dedication, I can achieve my goals.
I'll be sure to keep you guys updated on my progress. Thanks for all your support and encouragement! Wish me luck for August 8th!
Conclusion
Exam postponements, like the one I experienced with my steno exam, can be initially disheartening. However, by reframing the situation as an opportunity for growth and preparation, we can turn a potential setback into a stepping stone towards success. Remember to allow yourself to feel your initial emotions, then proactively adjust your study plan, seek support from fellow students, and prioritize self-care. By maintaining a positive attitude and staying focused on your goals, you can make the most of the extra time and approach your exam with even greater confidence. August 8th is my new target, and I'm committed to using this time wisely to achieve my best possible result. Wish me luck, and if you're facing a similar situation, know that you're not alone – we've got this!
