Don't Study Tonight, Just Re-Read This...

Go back and read this post.

And make your own version. 

Best wishes to everyone tomorrow. I know you'll pass if you channel your effort, keep it simple, and follow the directions. And a special thank you to everyone who interacted and were able to benefit from my TMI-Prep Fest. Setting out to help myself, I'm so happy I was able to succeed in doing so while inspiring and sharing with others along the way. 

Good Luck and Kind Thoughts,
Carolyn

Space Planning: Combination Tip

If you're like me, no matter how much you practice Space Planning, you still have a frozen moment or two in the fast paced 3 hour exercise. In an effort to replace bad habits with good, I've been trying new tricks and strategies. 

I find that maintaining balance while trying to accomplish the following is tough...

• a list of spaces
• square footages for spaces in list
• adjacency requirements for spaces in list
• specific location requirements for spaces in list (i.e. fireplace as a feature in the living room will mean that's the only place for that room, foyer/entry should be AT the main entrance)
• plumbing trench 
• plumbing trench extension limits
• fitting FFE requirements in said spaces
• fitting clearances around and in said spaces
• dimensions
• electric
• notes

{ Challenge }

Meeting square footage requirements with a layout that makes the best use of the space is where I get stuck. AKA, the transition from somewhat-to-scale-but-not-really bubble diagram. I'm guilty of not feeling comfortable until my plan is hard-lined, so I rush this step. I'm then left with a bedroom without a walk-in closet and no choice but to take SF from the bedroom itself. 

TIP: Combine spaces where possible. The walk-in closet is obviously going to be in the bedroom, right? Chances are, the master bath too, right? 

Try adding the bedroom SF + master bath SF + walk-in closet SF together. You might have (1) large rectangle like this:

Let's say your Walk-in Closet is to be 40SF, your Master Bath 120, and your Master Bedroom 240. Add them up:

40 SF + 120 SF + 240 SF = 400 SF

Next, if it helps, draw a rectangle on trace which equals 400 SF. See how the one above is 17'-0" wide? Divide 400 by 17 to get your approx length = 23'-6". Move this around on your plan (as you would in AutoCAD) to find it's best place. TIP: The toilet/shower will need to be on the plumbing trench or an extension. 

TIP: Don't forget to share plumbing walls where possible! Back to back or side by side. 

Other spaces this will help with:

• Kitchen+Break Room
• Workroom+Storage
• Kitchen+Pantry
• Kitchen+Laundry
• Kitchen+Pantry+Laundry (whoa!)
• Accessible Bedroom+Closet+Bathroom
• Public space vs. Private space

Hope this quick tip helps! I plan to practice it tonight with both a commercial exercise and residential. Though from research and experience, I'm confident the space planning with be residential (usually is for Spring). 

Happy prepping!
Carolyn

Transition time...

... Less prep, more nature. It's officially the ONE WEEK mark! 

{ Part 1: Butterflies and Swimming }

I've found a calming way to nearly eliminate my test anxiety and after practicing it for about 3 weeks, I can confidently say it has healed me! Remember what I said in this post about test anxiety being a habit? Well, to break a bad habit, we must replace it with a good one. Can't quite shake it completely? Begin by following a negative feeling with a positive thought. 

I've been getting random bouts of butterflies in my stomach (nerves, anxiety, surges of bad energy). I thought back to my days as a competitive swimmer. I got butterflies before every race and they were GOOD butterflies. And another thing? Whether I won or not, I would kick some serious booty and usually improve my time. Silly worry. 

Every time I get butterflies, I think of my swim meets. And the memory makes me smile. I find these butterflies to be a surge of strength and happiness now instead of doubt and fear. 

{ Part 2: Swimming and Test Prep }

Because my connection to swimming helped so much with my test anxiety, I've adapted my test prep plan to mimic my pre-championship meet training schedule (which always yielded best times and great swims!). 

Before a big meet, we'd train hard for months (with the hairiest man legs you've ever seen) and taper down two weeks before the meet. I'm entering my "taper week" and doing a lot more relaxing, exercising, and spending time with family/friends/nature. 

Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming,
Carolyn

Dimlabelgram!!

It's not a spelling error, friends. It's a word I invented that makes both me and my husband laugh. And sticks in my brain. And it holds a strategy which I think will help anyone avoid mark-downs for "small" errors. Let's say it together now: Dimlabelgram.

... { Meaning }...

Dimlabelgram: (v) [dim-LAY-bull-gram] the act of checking one's Practicum exercises for proper dimensions & clearances, labeled  FFE & mounting heights, and compliance with the provided program.

Example:
Halt! 10 minutes to go! Time to dimlabelgram my solution! Oops... didn't label my mirror. Oops again, forgot a 5'-0" turning circle. 

I found that pretending I'm a grader for the last 10-15 minutes of each exercise forces me to scrutinize the details. This isn't a good time to catch something big and irreversible. This is why it's important to evaluate your plan of attack early on - see one of my strategies "The Three Phases" of Space Planning in this post. To avoid 3 to 4 little mistakes is valuable to me. I have even considered writing it on my test booklet in big red letters. But then again, you hand those booklets back in. And I wouldn't want the graders thinking I've got a few screws loose. Which I suppose is true. Per this post. But whatever it takes to pass... have some fun along the way. 

Should I "Add this to dictionary" per Spellcheck?

Happy DLG-ing,
Carolyn

10 Ways to Relieve Test Anxiety: Weeks Before

1. Identify good and bad inner voices by trying The Angel vs. Devil Exercise.
2. When you find you're having a negative thought, immediately replace it with a positive or comforting one. What if I fail? WHAT IF YOU DON'T?!
3. Cry when you need to along the way. Nothing releases stress and anxiety like a good cry. Embrace your vulnerability. Just like pain is weakness leaving the body, tears are weakness exiting via your eyes. So you're in your late 20's, early 30's, late 30's, early 40's, late 40's, early 50's and so on? Just let your inner-toddler do her thing. And cry. Just, er - do so before the test day. Not on the test day (cough, cough... not that I did that or anything).
4. Seek support from friends and family. Accept it rather than inserting excuses or negativity to counter their truths. No one can encourage us like our most treasured people. Thank them for it and return the support when they need it. 
5. Seek support from yourself. Practice telling yourself how capable you are and how far you've come. Reiterate facts you've remembered. Anxiety is a learned behavior. So is self-esteem. And you're in control.
6. PRACTICE. I will tell you one thing, not doing this is a sure-fire way to reach both test anxiety and probable failure. And let me tell you from experience: a FAIL in the mail is a crap start to summer.
7. #6 again.
8. #6 and #7.
9. Exercise. A healthy physical body enhances a learning mind. Ever hear of endorphins? They're no joke. Endorphins are positive, evoke happiness, and most certainly confidence. Go for a run and let your body's complex chemistry be on your side.
10. See every mistake as an opportunity to grow rather than a setback or flaw. I mean it!
11. Bonus tip: 21. Well, sure think back to when you were finally able to drink. But also, 6 + 7 + 8 = 21. Practice + Practice + Practice = confidence & skill!!

Everything is beautiful!!!

As I was signing this post, I suddenly remembered some wonderful ways my friends see me.  For instance, my coworkers call me "Snow" as in Snow White because I see the positive often and I'm, for the most part, a happy person (obviously, I can also be not happy!). Would "Snow" be scared of the NCIDQ Practicum or would she reason that it is a positive achievement! My mom and others describe me as "Real" and "Inspirational". I've sometimes been self-conscious about putting it all out there on this blog, but I admire people who put it out there and keep it real. 

This DIY Couple (I'm a super-fan) always keeps it real!

And so does this modern-day Ethel Merman!

And last but not least, this sweet, southern beauty guru who keeps it real by appreciating the small things, struggles and all. 

Love and happy thoughts,

Carolyn

Angel vs. Devil Exercise: Conquering Test Anxiety

As I mention in just about every post, I'm struggling with a poisonous habit I've formed known as test anxiety. I'm still guilty of letting it cloud my mind, drain my energy, and squash my focus. I did some research on test anxiety and found several causes, but the solutions didn't resonate with me. I wanted to know what caused ME personally to doubt myself, freeze, and cry mid-practice test. So in my latest in-home-with-patient-husband therapy session, I voiced a little exercise.

I did some soul-searching and identified a list of things the devil keeps telling me as well as a list of angelic encouragements. Just recognizing what thoughts were not only poisonous, but sadly repetitive, really helped me to find solutions and positive words.

{ We'll start with Ms. Devil }

• You failed this last year. And you could fail it again this year.
• I bet your classmates in design school would think it's pretty funny that you failed. (Ok, me.. really?)
• Doesn't it suck thinking back on the parts of the test during which you couldn't breathe? When you were shaking? 
• Wouldn't that be so ironic if you put your heart and soul into studying and made this encouraging blog and then FAILED???
• This test is super expensive. Do you want to pay for it again?!
• Wouldn't that suck if you forget everything you learned come test day?
• Relentless stomach pains.
• I think you should keep picturing the location you took the test in last year. Remember how unprepared you were?
• My personal favorite: "Oh, you'll be fine." As if I'm not allowed to be a little scared and this is getting me to shut up already. 
• When someone says: "Calm down."
• 10. Long. Hours.
• Countdown!!!
• Heh. Remember that time you were unemployed?
• Text anxiety - drama queen much?!

{ And Ms. Angel }

• You went to a CIDA-accredited university and graduated at the top of your design class. Your resume isn't bad either. Even when you were unemployed, you started your own design business. 
• You passed the LEED CI test. The first time. On your birthday.
• You passed the first two sections of the NCIDQ without the special Part 1 and Part 2 Ballast books. 
• You were a swimmer for 12 years for crying out loud! You survived BOB!
• This blog you started is such a good thing. For you. For others. So what if you don't pass and you wrote this blog? Blog about it! But you will pass, so blog about THAT!
• You are a talented designer with solid and varied experience. 
• You're capability level is only growing.
• If you go in with the mindset that you're going to pass, you WILL.
• So what if you fail? Take it again. It won't be the worst thing in life you'll experience.
• You've prepared so diligently this time around. Just think of how you rocked the lighting exercise and just last year you failed it?
• Same with Egress. And Life Safety. Aren't you much more confident now?!
• No matter where the test is, you have all the supplies you need this time around.
• You are already starting off better by making sure you EAT that day!
• So many people believe in you.
• Prayer will give you strength. 
• Remember the triumphs you've experienced along the way.
• Remember the candidates who are where you are or have been there. You're not alone .
• Never underestimate the power of closing your eyes and taking 10 slow, deep breaths.

I encourage anyone who suffers from this learned habit (nope, not a mental disability, illness, or innate behavior - you're in control!) to use this exercise. Write down your "dark & twisty" (yeah, Grey's Anatomy shout-out!) thoughts and then write down the happy, encouraging thoughts you don't think nearly enough.

I'm thinkin' we're all truly underestimating the strength and focus that comes from simply thinking positively.

I know you don't think so, but YOU CAN,

Carolyn

PS. A note of encouragement from my gentle, compassionate, and sweet mother: 

Harden the F*#% up! 

Coming up (Mid-March Edition)...

Hi (anyone still reading my week-long neglected blog?)!!

Despite a heavy workload this week, I have a lot coming up:

• Space Planning Exercise: How I Did!
• Day-of Drafting Supplies: My Picks
• Ten Ways to Relieve Test Anxiety
• ADA Washroom Exercise: How I Did!
• Two Hours of Organizing Well-Spent
• Moved my Simulation Day: Why I Did It
• Simulation Test Day: How it Went

After that, I will have a slurry of "Sim-Day Results" posts.

i.e. Sim-Day Results: Space Planning

These posts will serve as just one more go-round to document how I did on my 10-hour practice day. I will be exercising the techniques I've shared over the past month. They will not have as many "Tips" (still some!). I'm rather hoping these will be the repetition, review, and exposure I need as the test day nears. And for my fellow test-takers, I hope my mistakes and triumphs inspire you. 

I'm not doing a countdown as I find it gives me anxiety.. I mean, I wouldn't say this is the equivalent of a wedding day countdown.. Hehe. 

Happy practicing,

Carolyn

Steve & Maya, Confidence-Boosters

Wisdom from those who didn't always get it right the first time... 

... but found courage. 

... and recognized the bigger picture. 

... and put it all out there for the sake of themselves and others. 

This one is funny if you insert "these three things: an eraser, lost hope, and failing one's practicum."

Stay ever-motivated, believe in yourself, and practice often, 

Carolyn

Systems Integration: How I Did!

PASS! 

Yeah, man! Ok, so this being my "easy-breezy" section, I would have cried for days if I didn't succeed. Want to hear a confession? I was afraid to take this section because I forgot they provide the numbered conflicts. I was all like "Wahhh.. I have to search and what if I don't find all of the conflicts?" Eh, it's only my second go-round. Easy mistake. 

Then I'm all taping down the two sheets of vellum like, "Wow, I've got to get over this test anxiety thing. Stat." And little by little, I think I'm doing just that. ;)

So, here goes!

What I did:

84" mounting heights in my table - all the same - not trying to be fancy.. just correct!*
See reasoning in this post.

After checking against the provided solutions, I listed all conflicts and provided sound solutions. I also drew everything on the plan. Room for improvement:

• I used "right, left, up, and down" for my relocation words. I don't think I would have been marked down, but "north, south, east, and west" are more appropriate.
• I didn't look at my section because it was under my "Notes" table. But I missed a supply duct conflicting with a ceiling height change. I could have also referred to the noted ceiling heights on the plan, itself. 
• Duct heights are noted in the "Duct Sizing Chart". I only had 8" for a 10" duct. Oops! It's easy to get caught up in the 2D-ness of the plan, but I need to think vertically.

{ TIPS }

• Speaking of thinking vertically, it is acceptable to suggest a ceiling height change.
• Refer to your test booklet for what can and cannot be moved... chances are you have your own test booklet, so I'm going to forgo reiterating those guidelines here.
• Don't forget to draw in the 2x2 AHU Access panel where directed! Such a simple requirement and so sad if you forget it! 
• Thermostats cannot go on windows or window mullions. The reading will be inaccurate and it's difficult to tie in the thermostat with the system unless it's on a GWB wall. It's also difficult to mount to anything, but, er - a wall...
• Shift small or easily moved items before suggesting that a ceiling feature such as a recessed cove be re-sized or relocated.
• Look for sprinkler heads and recessed downlight conflicts, 2x2 fluorescent lights and register conflicts, ceiling height change and duct conflicts, and thermostat placement.

Integration station! 

Stay positive,

Carolyn

Not my finest moment...

I took my Millwork Exercise of my practice test from last year. It was easy to do so with a blank vellum page as apparently I did not complete the Millwork exercise last year. I didn't even recognize the problem page. #alreadyofftoabetterstart

It turns out the best way to prepare for this portion of the test is not to study clearances and heights ahead of time - as everything you need to know is provided - but to just dive in and draw. Literally, anyone could take this test and pass. Everything - I mean everything is spelled out for you. It's actually a bit humorous. This leaves the challenge at: time. 

Here's a run-down of how my totally successful exercise went:

• Taped vellum to desk. 
• Start clock at 10:28. 
• Hands shaking whole time - not sure if it's 2 cups of coffee or anxiety?
• 25 minutes in - white out tape broke and I angrily threw it under the futon. Productive. Sane.
• 43 minutes later, break down crying and frozen. 
• 17 minutes of a therapy session with Andrew, who happen to come up right when I lost my cool and knew all of the perfect things to say.

I was so caught up in time that I psyched myself out and shut down. I also feel as though I've waste valuable time when I "fail" which just makes things worse. I need to realize that even failure is time well-spent. 

{  They're not asking you to do this....  }

Since I can't change either variable: the length of an hour nor the content of the exercise, I must practice until I'm "fast." Thing is, in real life, it would not take an hour to create a sound Laundry Room / Craft Room / Kitchen / Mail room plan, elevation, AND section. It would take about double or triple that. Or maybe half a day. Or maybe a whole day. 

Things I learned today (in no particular order):

• This is a "practice" test. 
• This is not the actual test. 
• The test is not next weekend. 
• The test is 7 weeks from today. 
• No coffee before practice test.
• Don't leave your scale at work in your pencil cup. You'll need one that's longer than 6 inches.
• You have all of the information you need.
• You are capable. 
• Remember swimming? You had to practice to get as fast as you were! (This line is epic and chock-full of relativity and perspective!)
• Slow down to speed up. 
• A bunch of ADA clearances (memorized - will help with speed!)
• What to dimension. 
• The plan is #1 on the sheet so your elevation will be #2 and section #3. 
• Design for the requirements not for beauty and perfection.
• Practice - whether it feels like it or not - will make perfect. 

Back to the drawing board .. with a wee bit more confidence.

Strength & Love, 

Carolyn

Lighting Exercise: How I Did!

(This is long, but it's my favorite post to date). :)

Source unknown, but I love this!

Last night, (Feb 12th), I took the Lighting Exercise of my first practice test. On Monday night (the 10th) and over the weekend, I studied my old practice test to refresh my knowledge. I also thought back to my Spring 2012 exam and where I had room for improvement. I did it in 1/3 of the allotted time - that's a problem!! 

After taking the test, I was seriously drained (this will get better and I will be able to handle the full 9 hour day). I helped Andrew with taxes, did a 30-day shred workout, actually washed my face before bed, and even watched part of an SNL episode before falling asleep. It felt amazing to exercise my mind, my creativity, my body, and my ability to laugh uncontrollably. I felt accomplished and HAPPY.

I sat down for exactly (1) hour. I didn't read/study before. I didn't check my work right after. I used my watch from Andrew and my Kimball Office calculator. 

TIP (day off): For your tools, bring personal items that remind you of the moment you received them, a special person, or a happy place help to set your mind at ease, relieving anxiety and providing familiar refuge. I'm using my pretty watch from Andrew and my lucky Sharpie.

TIP (prep time): Quality over quantity when it comes to test prep. Don't force yourself to sit there for 3 hours. If you can't fill the time effectively, you'll a) retain very little and b) feel disappointed and defeated if you don't make it for your goal time. Be smart with study goals. If you get one hour in and you're mind shuts down, don't force it. Take a break for 15 minutes or 15 hours. Sleep on it. And if you want to keep going even if it's late at night, embrace that!!

Here goes...

Start time: 7:47 pm

End time: 8:47 pm

This included me opening the crisply folded test vellum (2 pieces). It took me a minute alone to straighten it out! I won't need to do this on the test day as they hand you a flat set of test vellum in a HUGE Ziploc (love that!). 

TIP: Write your start time and end time in the corner of your test vellum. Not only will you remember when you started, I like to think that the graders see that you're a focused and committed candidate. I'm not saying this will cancel out the wrong stuff, but I believe if you are actually that invested in marking your time, chances are it will show in your solution.

I taped my pages to the desk and read my test booklet. Next, I determined how much wattage I was allowed by multiplying the watts/SF by the SF like I shared with you in this post.

I'd love to tell you what the space I designed the lighting plan for, but it's confidential! Though, I'll tell you one juicy detail: I was allowed 900 watts total.

TIP: Picture a real person in your life as your "client". It sounds cheesy, but it helps me focus, relieve anxiety, and feel more invested in my work.

I accomplished the following:

• Created a design solution including fixtures which provide an appropriate level of general lighting (ambient, task, accent).

• Drafted a sound switching diagram:
• Adjustable levels of illumination where required 
• Separate switching per function and per lamp source
• Graphically depicted switching connections
• Appropriately tagged all fixtures
• Properly dimensioned fixtures where required
• Properly labeled mounting heights for fixtures per egress/accessibility guidelines
• Complete lighting schedule
• Watts per SF don't exceed 1.5 W/SF

Tonight (Feb 13th), I graded my test using the Pass, Borderline Pass, and Fail examples. 

Pass - 5 problems

Borderline - 8 problems

Fail - 12 problems

I had (6) problems! I'd say I was close to Pass! Here's what I missed:

• { X } Placed (2) of (5) switches in the room behind one door of a double door **Graders say this is actually OK as one door could be fixed. I found a discrepancy in the plan on their part regarding this and another mark-down. Not getting into it, but it's very poor design! And so obvious!
• { X } I applied a 3-way switch to (2) of (3) fixtures. All three should be on the 3-way. 
• { X } Put a "D" (standard dimmer) where a "DLV" (dimmer low voltage should be) in one space (a single wall washer).
• { X } Put a "D" (standard dimmer) where a "DLV" (dimmer low voltage should be) in another space (a single down light).
• { X } Did not specify the mounting height of a pendant fixture hanging from the ceiling. Height to bottom of (b.o.) fixture is sufficient. I did indicate heights for all sconces, though!
• { X } I don't think they would have docked me for this, but I started filling in my lighting schedule with "Fixture Description" (i.e. "Recessed down light") and "Rational." Halfway through, I started omitting the "Fixture Description" and writing my own shortened version.

I feel much sharper than I was on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. This was a tremendously helpful refresher since I do not have the opportunity to do lighting plans often. I played a part in designing many lighting plans with various task/ambient/general lighting applications when I worked at a commercial firm in the city and when I was fresh out of college at a residential business. 

I really enjoyed this exercise. I have a little tear from being able to say that. 

Level of confidence: ELEVATED!

Stay bright and hopeful,
Carolyn

Nature Break

A very wise friend and I like to have fully charged batteries (I'm lookin' at you, Steph!). To charge my battery, I seek encouraging and uplifting people, fresh air, and a sense of accomplishment in each day. Yesterday, going outside to play for a few hours in the sunshine with my husband was just what I needed to make this weekend be what I looked forward to all week long...

Happy Trails,

Carolyn

Where I Went Right

The post where I vow to keep doing what worked.

1. Pretty, colorful post-its and tabs.

These seem silly, but like most creative minds, I am very visual. I jotted down notes and sketches. I marked portions of the plan where I got stuck so I was able to come back to them. I even color coordinated my blank vellum pages with the directions in the problem booklet. The instructor said it was very clever! 

What I'll take from this: Be colorful. Hand in your notes, stickies, and sketches. They are weighed. More importantly, they worked for me so I'm planning on brightening up my test experience again. 

2. Count to ten. 

Even in that crazy "not keeping track of time" fiasco, I took a few deep breathes before I started the Lighting section. It helped more than it hurt because I'm pretty sure I wasn't actually breathing anymore when the proctor called 30-minute warning. 

What I'll take from this: When you freeze, take a moment. It is immensely clarifying. And you'll likely freeze at least once during the 8 hours. If you're human. 

3. Pre-rip trace paper.

You'll need trace paper to overlay on the plan for bubble diagrams and preliminary sketches of the space plan. And it's crinkly and loud when you rip it. And noise during a test is frustrating. Be mindful of others and rip several sheets ahead of time. I ripped 2 pieces per section and 4 for the space planning exercise. 

4. Read the program booklet thoroughly before picking up your pen. But do have your hi-lighter ready.

This speaks for itself, but the common mistakes I noticed in my practice test results were omissions. I still struggle with this even at work. We'll get a program and I'll get caught up in getting the big stuff down on paper and miss key "little" items which are not only just as important, they're right there in the program! I did a good, slow job of reading the booklet and it paid off during the test (admittedly not on every section). 

5. Wear comfy clothes. 

During this test, leggings most certainly are pants. But you're a designer, so wear a long tunic and some cute, comfy boots or sneakers. 

6. Get fresh air. 

Go outside during your lunch break. Trust me on this. You'll need a change of scenery. Even though it was cold and rainy, I felt better. (But avoid calling your husband in tears, blubbering about how upset you are - don't do that. It is not at all Zen and it takes longer than you think to look like you weren't just red-eyed and tear/snot covered on the street. Sorry.)

It's a truly helpful reminder to KEEP doing the things which DID work. 

Love, Humility, and Encouragement,
Carolyn

Where I Went Wrong

Hi Designers & Friends!

Before I put pen(cil) to vellum, I'm making a list of lessons learned and paving the way for serious improvement. I knew before I woke up that morning (March 31, 2012) that I was completely unprepared. Mentally AND physically. Let's not re-live this nightmare on April 6.

This post will be followed by a shorter, but necessary "Where I Went Right" post. 

1. The testing location changed. 

It was scheduled to be in Drexel University's pretty design studio with smooth drafting tables, bright lighting, a clock on the wall, and Au Bon Pain nearby in 30th Street Station. I received an email on Monday night before the test stating that it was moved to a hotel in <still have no clue what part of the city>. Had I actually read my email that day instead of on Friday night, I might have been able to buy a portable drafting table and prepare myself mentally for a change of scenery. But I didn't. I still get sweaty palms when I even see a hotel conference room. The tables were bumpy plastic folding tables with black table cloths. The lighting was awful. The carpet was too busy. And we could hear people talking in the hallway. Oh, and it was cold because hotels turn the AC on in March!

Lesson learned: Read emails thoroughly when you've invested $600 in a test. Buy portable drafting table even if you'll never use it again. Be adaptable. Be able to take this test on the shoulder of the turnpike with your supplies. 

2. I didn't bring a watch, assuming there would be a clock on the wall. 

Seriously? Who does this? Someone who didn't read their email and thought there would be a clock in the well-equipped Drexel studio like there was for the multiple choice portions. Someone who would think there should be a clock in a hotel conference room!? We received the 30-minute warning and I hadn't a) finished space planning nor b) started lighting. I failed lighting. 

Lesson learned: Do not rely on your surroundings to have a clock or anything else on the list. Be responsible for yourself. Take some darn initiative. You're an adult. (Me yelling at me.)

Lesson learned: Hotel gift shops have cheap $10 "gold" watches. $10 does NOT get you a battery included. Hotel gift shops do NOT sell watch batteries.

3. Eat breakfast. Bring lunch. 

Seems logical, right? Except I was so fixated on the location change and not getting lost that I gave myself a ton of extra time to get there. Once I was there, there was nothing around. See a pattern with that first mistake? I was so freaked out in the car that I was literally sick to my stomach. So I didn't eat. I felt so weak during my test. Everything in my body was tense and achey. This is basic logic here. This is like stuff you learn in pre-school. And 4th, 7th, and 11th grades. And when you were a student athlete. And life, in general. 

Lesson learned: Don't count on there being Au Bon Pain around the corner. Hit Wawa the night before. Apple slices, eggs, almonds, banana, gatorade, power bar. Brain food. Pack lunch and provide your own fuel!

4. I got caught up in PERFECT.

I borrowed about 38 of my dad's furniture templates so my chairs, tables, circles, and urinals would be flawless. I painstakingly scaled every room to the inch to meet the square-footage requirements EXACTLY. Let's just say this was a massive waste of time. I sketch chairs every single day at work. I know what 1/4" and 1/8" scale looks like by sight. I'm capable and I don't need fancy crutches in the form of office chair templates. It was a residential space planning exercise anyway. Go figure. 

Lesson learned: The most "beautiful" and size-accurate tests aren't the ones that pass. The most "thorough" and logical tests pass. As long as you have 30x48 clear space at the urinal, it can be a little free-hand crooked. Focus on the big picture and loosen up a little.

5. I hate pencils. And I like drafting dots. 

So why did I use fancy drafting pencils and why did I bring drafting tape? My drawings were ugly, smudgy, and my penmanship was hideous because I never use pencil in real design life/work. This was insanely distracting during the test. I was repeatedly ripping tape, smudging my pencil lines, erasing ugly words, and re-writing them. What time wasters!

Lesson learned: Read the test prep guidelines. You can use pen (yayyyy!!!). You can use white-out tape. I'm buying drafting dots even though Dad thinks they're dumb. Because I'm different than him and they work for me. And it's the little things. 

6. I was focusing on everyone else in a fit of anxiety-fueled, temporary ADHD. 

I kept looking around at everyone else. My friend Laurel was there. And she was pregnant and I was all "Aw, that's sweet. She has a baby keeping her company over there." There was this girl who was taking the test for the FOURTH time. I kept glancing over like "Omg, I hope for her bank account's sake and her sanity she passes!" And there were these two ladies in front of me who were all like "We have every gadget and we're prepared and perfect and we have good posture and we wear glasses." (Who's laughing now? The perfect patties who probably passed, that's who.) 

Lesson learned: Be prepared and confident so you don't insecurely judge everyone around you. This is your test day. It's theirs, too. But to you, it's only YOURS so focus on you. 

7. Believe in yourself.

I didn't do this. 

Lesson learned: You is kind. You is smart. You is important.  

This post has been one of the most clarifying and freeing posts I've ever written. I like to think admitting my faults and identifying room to heal and grow will take me far. 

Love, Humility, and Encouragement,
Carolyn