Kate Reilly James

It’s not even 9pm on Thursday night and I’m already in bed….fretting. 

Tomorrow marks the start of my NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) exams with the 60 wpm Teeline Shorthand test….and I’m not going to pass. 

I don’t do failing. I’m one of those people who can usually get away with coasting a little bit, but it would appear that particular skill has run its course. 
  
And please dont think this post is just self indulgent BS, pining for compliments “oh you’ll be fine, don’t worry” or “don’t be so negative you’ll be fine on the day.” As lovely as they are, it’s not going to happen.

I’m genuinely going to fail. I’m just not quick enough and under strict exam conditions I’m going to lose the thread while probably panicking over how to spell camel! 

So, lessons I have learned in the first 7 days of 2016. 

1. Teeline shorthand requires daily practise! 

2. You cannot suddenly be ace at Teeline shorthand like, two days before the exam. 

3. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail…..turns out that is very true.

Positives…because it’s important to smile in the face of failure. 

1. I can have another crack at the exam in 6 weeks. 

2. I have realised I’m a div and I simply must revise more frequently.

3. This means I can buy more stationery. Yay! 

To my fellow NCTJ-ers, Good Luck, I love you guys, see you on the other side!

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