My Electromagnetism Epic – Cram, Caffeine, and Canine Rescue

Submitted by: Eugenia Estefania
Country: Venezuela
College: Universidad Central dé Venezuela

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Ever since I chose a physics major, I knew I would have to work hard. For the first half of my studies, I was a responsible and dedicated student. However, as I met more people and discovered university life, parties and social events also began to arrive, and little by little, I started putting everything off until the last minute.

When it was time to take the Electromagnetism course, one of the most difficult subjects, I discovered that the course was going to be taught by Dr. Gonzales, who is known for being an extremely demanding professor. Still, I was confident I could handle it. The first exam was scheduled right after spring break, and instead of using the time to study, I immersed myself in parties, beach getaways, and other distractions. It was a fun time, and although deep down I knew I should study, the idea of staying home with a book when my friends invited me out seemed impossible to accept.

When the exam was three days away, I panicked and began studying desperately. I printed out all my notes, watched explanatory videos, and even tried to make last minute summaries. However, no matter how hard I tried, there wasn’t enough time to cover the entire syllabus. So, like any student trying to save a course, I decided to spend the last night awake, drinking coffee and reviewing tirelessly. As the hours passed, sleep became unbearable. My eyes hurt from reading so much, my head weighed a ton, and I even considered simply giving up. But no, I’d already come too far for that.

The result was disastrous: an exhausted student in zombie mode. The next morning, I got up from my desk, shut down my computer, showered, and headed to the faculty. I arrived half an hour early, but I could barely stand. In my desperation to find a quick fix, I discovered the concept of the “caffeine nap” on the internet: drinking a strong cup of coffee and taking a 15-minute nap to wake up feeling energized. I thought it was a brilliant idea.

I ran to the coffee machine, poured myself a double espresso, downed it in one gulp, as if it were one of the shots at my recent parties, and lay down on the hallway floor, a few feet from the classroom, using my backpack as a pillow. The problem? I forgot to set an alarm on my phone.

Time passed, my classmates passed by, and I was still asleep. 40 minutes after the exam had started, I felt a lick on my face. It was Choco, the dog who lived on campus and whom all the students loved. I woke up with a start, my heart in my mouth, completely distraught. I had ruined my entire night of studying. I sat up with a start, not even knowing when I had fallen asleep. I looked at the clock and felt a knot in my stomach: I was lost.

I ran to the classroom with tears in my eyes, convinced they wouldn’t let me in. Dr. González’s compassion saved me that time. He allowed me to take the exam. As soon as I saw the questions, I realized my effort and the caffeine nap had been worth it: I knew everything. It was as if my brain, despite the extreme fatigue, had magically absorbed the information. I answered each question confidently, and when I handed in the exam, I stared at the professor with a mixture of fear and hope.

In the end, I got an 8/10 in one of the toughest subjects, with the strictest teacher, and having arrived 40 minutes late. When I saw the grade, I couldn’t believe it. Now I laugh when I remember everything that happened.

Would I recommend it? No. Would I repeat it? Definitely not. But since I approved, it seems like an epic story now.

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