Good-bye Sunlight and Hello Library!
Letter from California! Louis Potthoff is studying for finals – and thinks he might have become a nerd in Berkeley.
Dec 05, 2015
Louis Potthoff will conclude his first semester at Berkeley with final exams next week, and he is already looking forward to the next semester.
Image Credit: Private
The reading room of the Charles Franklin Doe Memorial Library in Berkeley, where Louis Potthoff is spending most of his time this week.
Image Credit: Private
The semester is almost over. The last classes were held last Friday, and this week we had off to prepare for the final exams, which will be given next week. So far, it hasn't been as bad as I had expected.
For one thing, in each of my subjects the final exams count for less than half of the final grade, so a few minor errors or something I might not remember, won't carry so much weight. Besides that, I feel quite well prepared already, due to the many tests and quizzes during the semester. Some final details are still missing, but I have a good general overview of the material.
On the other hand, I don't want to take things too lightly. Berkeley has a reputation for stiff grading. So my motto this week is: Good-bye sunshine and hello library!
Cramming in Berkeley
My roommate, who is also still in his first semester at Berkeley, chose a different approach: He turns day into night and celebrates at one of the many frat parties that are also going on now. Sad to say: Berkeley is turning me into a striver.
Looking Forward to the Next Semester
I'm looking forward to my new classes next semester, including a seminar on counter-terrorism and a lecture series by the highly regarded Professor Barry Eichengreen on the history of the world economy in the 20th century. It will not be boring – one more good reason to get through the finals week!