Expectation vs. Reality

CALCULUS FINAL

EXPECTATION:

When I got home from lacrosse practice, I continued singing the song on the radio that had been cut short when I had taken the key out of the ignition of my car. My calculus book rested peacefully on my nightstand; I wouldn't be needing it anymore. Tomorrow was the final and I felt fully prepared for the three hour exam. Instead of unneeded cramming, I flipped on Modern Family and laughed cheerfully alongside my parents as we enjoyed the subtle comedy. At 10:30, I climbed sleepily into bed for a good night's sleep so that my brain would be at full power tomorrow morning as I took the future-defining test.

The gentle harp music sounded from my phone alarm and I was filled with an invigorating excitement. I confidently climbed behind the wheel of my car and began the commute to Chattahoochee. I was going to ace this test.


REALITY:

The cheerful, upbeat music playing on the radio was in such contrast with my mood, that it only added to my agitation and stress. I quickly shut off the radio and endured the ride home in silence. The second I got home, I snatched my calculus book from my beside table and ripped through the pages until the equations blurred together and I was more confused than before. As my mom passed my room, she invited me to watch the latest Modern Family episode with her. After noticing my deranged expression, she scurried along down the hallway and left me in solitude as I continued my desperate cramming. A glance at the clock told me that only six hours remained until the exam. Admitting defeat, I tossed the book aside, switched off the light, and stared at the dark ceiling until my exhaustion overpowered my nerves.

I woke with a start as my phone alarm blared with incredible force; I had carelessly set the volume way too loud the night before. I forced my shaking body behind the wheel of my car and began the drive to school. I was going to bomb this test.