I remember typing up the descriptions of these courses pretty early on in the semester.  I'm honestly glad that this semester is over, and that my GPA was so high.  There were times this semester when I thought of the worst grades I could possibly end up with.  I definitely was expecting those kinds of grades this semester.  Yes, they're still good, but I've got a goal in mind I'm shooting for, and I'm determined to push for it.

This semester, my grandma's death took me away from NC for about 10 days, and my friend Danny McGregor's for another day.  Last semester, I didn't miss a class, and this semester, these funeral dates plus final orthodontist appointments (badly scheduled on my part) took me out seemingly by routine!  Getting into the swing of things was very difficult.

Java was one course in which I expected an easy A+ with no obstacles in the way.  When I got a 20 on the first grade of my first program, I had the mentality to 'save' the class instead of acing it.  I did end up with an A+, and I don't know how.  God worked a miracle there, because I couldn't have done that without the peace of mind He gives.

Toward the middle of the semester, my grades were alright: 3.40 as a GPA, but if I got a 3.40, I would not have a shot at a 4.00 cumulative by the end of my NCSU days.  Pushing myself to near-insanity, the highest my GPA got up to was a 4.13, and since I bombed my Hebrew final (I still don't know how...), it dropped to a 4.07.

I honestly hate finals, though.  Some are worth about 50% of your final grade.  People sit in class for 16 weeks, and only one day is really graded?  I'd say, if your final exam can do nothing but hurt your grade, exempt the student from taking it!  A good student proves himself day-in and day-out.  Why put the extreme mental strain on the student to do better than ever...or else...on a difficult exam?!  That's why I enjoy less-stressful and regular tests on exam day.  If you have a bad day, it won't kill you.

Anyway, to all those who think I'm insane for shooting for a 4.00 cumulative GPA: Good.  It's the seemingly insane people who push themselves who seem insane and push themselves...er...I mean...yeah, that's what I meant.  I want to reach my full potential in life, and this is one goal I have to use the mind God gave me as much as I possibly can.