The first time I ever failed a test was in 4th grade. I just could not wrap my head around fractions. Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions by hand? My 9 year old brain didn’t understand it, and I probably even thought “when will I EVER use this again?”

13 years later while studying for the GRE exam, of course.

I don’t know what this type of math (sans calculator) has anything to do with my ability to perform in graduate school. Why do I need to know how to multiply fractions? Why must they test my ability to multiply decimals by hand?

When I’m stressed out or procrastinating I tend to try new recipes. I decided on soft pretzels this time because…well, I don’t really know. I like carbs.

Taking the advice of a twitter pal, I used the Smitten Kitchen’s Recipe, and assumed I would fail. I’ve never been able to bake anything successfully in my life. I don’t understand baking, I don’t understand the difference between baking soda and baking powder (what the hell do they do?), and I hate hate hate hate measuring. However with Mary’s watchful eye, these pretzels turned into a success. Warm, crispy, delicious carby pretzels. They never made it to the Oktoberfest party I attended because I ate them all. And then two days later, we made them again.

Baking and studying do not bring out my best photography skills. At least I remembered to take pictures.

I have them.

My friends and I are not really good at being emotional or giving serious advice. We get uncomfortable when people cry and behave awkwardly at funerals. However I’d like to think we all have our talents that make up for the lack of emotion. Examples: 1) looking good while at representing Trinidad & Tobago 2) rhyming.

GRE Rap

By MandieCanjo

You’ve been studyin hard, learnin yo maths
Stayin up nights and skippin some baths
All so you can make sure you ace this shite
You gots to do it for Grad School, aiight?

Now I dont quite know what the GRE’s are
I think I’d rather take shots at my favorite bar
I know you aint done algebra since you was sixteen
But I recognize your reading comprehension is mean

I think there’s analogies like the SAT’s
This test is to useless as your momma… BITCH PLEASE
So gather up yo #2’s and graphing calculator
And tell those suckas in admissions ‘yo homes, see ya lata’

I don’t need a Scantron you know you da’ shit
And for a 3 hour test I don’t need to sit
But when you open that test better show em who’s boss
And pistol whip that exam with your mental floss.