Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library
I have faith that you can survive the all-nighter and multivariable calculus. But I want you to know that you can survive and thrive even if you were to fall asleep in the midst of the all-nighter and miss the exam completely. And after this exam is over – and you’ve had some sleep – maybe contact the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors) for some academic coaching, so it doesn’t come down to all-nighters next time?
I’d say both, but in different ways. A derivative is going to tell you about what’s going on at a particular moment, and it’s important to live in the moment. But the whole area under the curve of your life is also important to show you the big picture. The derivative may cloud your mind during rough periods (“I’m going downhill fast!”), but integrating over the course of your life (with the limits being birth and death) can reassure you that this is just a phase.
You’re not a failure! It sounds like you made a very rational decision. I hope you got input from your advisor? Also, if you feel a burning need to learn the material covered in calc II (and you might), you can take it later; this year, or even all your college years, are not your only opportunities.
I understand your frustration; being a wall, I’m more apt to employ Euclidean geometry, myself. But calculus seems to be useful for describing things that change over time and bodies in motion. See this handy explanation: bit.ly/medium-calculus
Well, there’s more than one variable controlling that 😉 Seriously, though, if the studying is stressing you out, consider peer tutoring at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors), right downstairs.
Khan Academy rocks: bit.ly/KAVidLimit
