Exams

I've completed two of three exams now, with the third technically underway (it's a take home and I've written about 2/3 of it at this point). In about 24 hours I should be done which will be fantastic! I've never had such a relaxed exam period before.

Today I had an oral exam (meaning I had to speak with the professor for about 15 mins while he asked me questions about the course). I was nervous beforehand because I had never taken an exam that wasn't either multiple choice or essay. As I was getting ready I noticed I went through some of my normal rituals before an exam. I always have a cup of coffee, and even though I'm sick right now and that's the last thing my body needs, i had to have my cup of coffee. I also wore my runner necklace.

I've never believed that if I don't do something I won't perform as well, but there are certain rituals that I like to do before any nerve wracking event to put myself at ease. It started with races in High School. For pretty much every race in High School I wore my Torrey Pines hair ribbons. In college it shifted to a pair of running shoe earrings my mom got me. Later I'd even wear the runner necklace she got me as well.

Since I've been in law school I've either worn that necklace or those earrings for ever single final I've taken. What does running have to do with law school exams? In a way, everything. The simple act of wearing something that i used to use as a talisman for confidence in races transferred to me the confidence i needed to survive those 4 hour law exams. I feel the most confident in running shoes, hair pulled back, and a stopwatch on my arm. That's why when I'm confused or upset about something, i got out for a run. I regain my confidence in myself and my abilities from the simple act of my feet hitting the pavement mile after mile. I think I am the most myself when I am running. That is the true me. And the best part is that its me at my most confident. That is the woman who I want taking those exams. Ironic because most of my "failures" in life have probably come from running, but more out of sheer opportunity alone. I've run hundreds of races and there's no way that all of those can go well or as planned. Running has taught me that failure does not end there, but is a chance to learn and bounce back. Sometimes failure is out of our control, but we can control how we react to it and how we let failure affect us.

So an exam day is really game day. I go into that exam as a runner, and i draw on the confidence of the woman that can run for miles and miles and only get stronger. The exam becomes a challenge to attack rather than a fearful test. I might not always perform the best that I want to, but I know i got into it with my all.

What does this have to do with Copenhagen? Not much really. I've done well on both my exams so far (yay!) and am looking forward to coming home (next Thursday!!!!). It's been four months that I've been out of the country and I think it's about time to come back :)