Phew! I did it!

Whilst the run this morning was pretty eye opening and best be described as a measured workout, I was feeling some form of pressure over the weekend.

I had an exam scheduled this afternoon. Its really related to the field I have been in for the last 16yrs or so, but the exam focused on the applicable regulations. MKL and my cousin said I ought to have no problem but having looked through the study guide, I could see some effort was required in order to pass. There are many many technical things to learn, all of which are beyond logic and reason. For example, if an offer is to be extended by another 14 days, then I just had to commit to memory that its 14 (and not something else). No amount of logical analysis will bring me to 14, except by rote. Studying (ie memory) by rote is something I despise.

Yet, because the exam concerns regulations, I ought to do well. In fact, passing the exam on the first try ought to be a given. I hardly need to remind myself of the embarrassment if I had to re-take the exam. When MKL told me about the need to take this exam and hence get qualified, I can still recall my asking him in half-jest (and half-seriousness) if I could do a viva instead.

I arrived at the examination venue some 20min before the start. Other candidates were already there, and in true Singapore style, were reviewing the study guide, reading and cramming till the very last minute. The paper was all MCQ and the questions were tricky; there were some questions that came from outside the study guide. I had no choice but to draw on my knowledge and practice experience.

Phew! I did it! I passed.