M729, You may begin.

Sam: “What number are you?”

Me: “M729, what does that mean?”

Sam: “You’ve never taken an exam have you…”

Me: “Nope!” J

When UOW does exams, wow do they go all out for the occasion. Walking up to building 9 to a wall of names correlated to numbers, I had no idea what I was about to get into. I took notice of the massively large signage reading, “Exam Entry” (at least double the height of me) hanging over the doors, but it was only until I walked past the three security guards checking ids and our clear plastic bags for the contents before I got to the test room. And as for the test room…it was just as impressive. Have you ever seen 1000 desks? I can successful check that off my list of odd ball things. I finally understood what M729 meant, my coordinates of course! Section M Seat 729. And I was in the middle of this cluster of desks…meaning there were more than 729! AHHH, talk about intimidation. They have that aspect on lock. Once we took our seats, we had to file a student declaration about our legitimacy of taking the exam and have our ID checked…once again.  After reading the 600 page textbook cover to cover, typing notes, then handwriting them, (yes I had two weeks to study for one exam..sorry) you would think nothing could scare me…wrong. Luckily, the exam really wasn’t that bad. For being 50% of my grade I expected a lot more trickery involved, but they were nice! Score J My first and last exam of UOW is now finished and I have 5 ½ days left of Wolly World Paradise! Liberation feels so good!

Not a bad way to start the day, The Farm

Since Sydney last weekend, my week has basically been focused on public relations. Nothing too exciting. I’ve mastered the skill of studying while laying out which is a great skill to add to my resume…which is finally complete and ready to dazzle my internships soon! Fingers crossed that I’m in Colorado this summer J

Yesterday morning, I woke up at 7 with the boys to road trip down to “the farm” for a little surf session. No, I didn’t paddle out with them. I think I’ll save that for a sunrise surf session next week. Regardless, it was beautiful and a great time to watch the boys work their magic!

Last night, we had a farewell BBQ for Kevin, one of our exchange friends from Colorado. His parents had just arrived fresh from the states so it was great to be around family again and have everyone celebrating. The boys were doing the usual no-brains play…climbing swing sets, jumping off swings at their peak…you know, standard. So that left the girls to enjoy the evening and for us to take in Campus East a little more. I love these kids so much!

I’m in denial that I have to leave the warm 85F days for the freezing snow…Maybe I can be a snowbird in Florida over Christmas. (subtle hint) And I’m inappropriately sad that this is one of the last times I will blog about my study abroad life. Crazy…I’ve been through so much. No regrets! I LOVE AUSTRALIA! Climbing Mount Kiera one last time tomorrow! 

P.S. The nerve wracking wait for the IUDM total Sunday night...$1.8 million! YEWWW all for the kids of Riley Children's Hospital! So proud of everyone that was involved! Can't wait for IUDM 2012, get ready. Go big or go home! :)