Living in a pandemic can be quite isolating. As much as I’d like to think a team meeting on Zoom feels as collaborative as one done in person, my brain can’t be convinced otherwise. Doing work by myself can be exhausting. Design is a collaborative process. Being able to ask my friends around me, “Hey, how’s this colour?” or “Which photo suits the theme better?” keeps the gears in my mind working. As much as my ego would like to believe otherwise, I am not the authority on all things. This is the reason why I like to work in small groups.
There’s something motivating about having a friend by your side while doing work. The pandemic’s made me realise that I’ve taken this collaborative experience for granted. I miss being able to revise my work with my friends at a cafe, sipping on overpriced sugary, barely caffeinated drinks, scribbling notes down. It’s not the same as sitting by myself in my room - my body knows this, and that’s why that B+ for a science module, instead of an A, staring back at me at the end of the semester.
Here's three reasons why, if you can, you should study / revise in a group.
We’ll challenge each other.
I remember arguing with a friend about a specific definition of speciation in the ‘A’ Level syllabus. We came from different Junior Colleges, and our lecturers had handed us two definitions with slight differences in phrasing. I can’t remember the specifics now, but I distinctly remember my friend storming out of that cafe in sheer anger at my argument.
Studying together needn’t be as intense as that, but that event showed me the importance of having a study group to iron out the kinks in my own understanding. Knowledge, contrary to the dictation of the all-knowing syllabus, is fluid and collaborative. My study buddies helped cover areas of knowledge I was unsure of. My friends could reinforce my learning when they asked me for help - being able to teach a concept is a sure sign of expertise.
We’ll motivate one another.
I remember hating Chemistry at one point. I had lost all hope in ever passing (yes, that low of a standard) the subject in the ‘A’ Levels. My tutor’s methodical and (frankly) boring approach to learning the subject sapped my enthusiasm for studying the subject. I just did not want to ever look at the periodic table again, lest I fall asleep in utter ennui.
I had been invited by my friend, Tristan (not his real name), to Chemistry tuition. He’d recommended the tutor as the tutor had helped him raise his grade from failure to at least a mediocre pass (Tristan had only been at the centre for around two months). I was convinced, so I decided to drop by for a few lessons. The tutor was great, but what struck me even more was seeing Tristan being excited for Chemistry. This was Tristan. He couldn’t even be bothered to titrate during Chemistry practicals, and had faked results just so he could hand the worksheet in. Now, he’s singing the Ideal gas law to me. His enthusiasm was infectious.
I feel that studying with friends who are enthusiastic about different subjects facilitates better learning. Concepts stick better when delivered with vigour, a smile, and a friendly face. Studying and revising are not just about retaining knowledge, but also maintaining consistent motivation. Friends by your side can also help keep negative thoughts at bay by being a shoulder to cry on.
It’s just more fun!
Studying feels like a serious affair. I need to get this ‘A,’ I’ve caught myself thinking many times. The spirit of determination that underlies this conviction is certainly necessary in getting to where you want in life. On the other side of this conviction, however, is catastrophization. This sentiment can transform into My whole life depends on this ‘A.’ This thought process has led me into dark places. My friends were the ones who pulled me out of these thoughts and helped keep me on track, with a healthy dose of humour.
Learning how to laugh is an important life skill. Having friends by your side can keep you grounded in reality. My best memories in school are made with friends by my side. I remember joking about the stringent grading scheme with my friends in my English Linguistics tutorial classes. Barely passing a subject you love with all your heart can be depressing. Cackling with my friends about the absurd marking standards made me feel better. We were all in this together, and we all could make it through together.
I wish this pandemic hadn’t happened. Writing, designing, revising all by myself in my room feels so alienating. Not having people by my side, to affirm my humanity and to give me a sense of community, can be depressing. It sucks to feel like the only way someone will see me is through my work, and not for the whole person that I am. We must cherish the times where we can work, study and play with our friends and family by our side. Looking back, school was never really about just the grades. Thinking about the friendships I’ve made with both my classmates and teachers makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Ken Fronda is a twenty-two year old Industrial Design student in NUS. He enjoys art, nature and a healthy dose of humour. He believes in the importance of community, and believes that design can be a tool to empower people to organise.
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