Eudaimonia

Let me begin this post by explaining the meaning of the term eudaimonia. If you’re familiar with Aristotle and his philosophy, you’ll know that this word means happiness. We all desire happiness and we have different methods of acquiring it. It can be caused by many things like a birthday gift, a heart-felt hug, or even the end of Midterm Examinations.

After a week of suffering (and establishing a “unique” connection with my books and lectures, as I mentioned in my previous post), I finally reached the end. The stress of late night studying is now over. It feels good to know that I have passed this obstacle, although I should mention that the results of my examinations are not-so-good. Part of me says that I should be happy while the other part dictates that I shouldn’t be.

The test in Physical Science (NAT SCI 12) last Wednesday marked the beginning of the Midterm Week. I entered the university gate with great optimism, since I knew that I have studied enough. I memorized everything in the book - terms, calculations, and many more. But to my dismay, it is an application type of test. So all of what I have studied the night before won’t help me pass.And so it happened. Strike one.

The following day, I took the examination in English Proficiency Instruction II (ENG 12). It went well and I got an average grade. It was followed by General Chemistry (CHEM 12). I couldn’t describe my feelings while taking the test. My mind is overflowing with quantum numbers, half-shell configurations, nomenclatures, and other never-before-heard terms. I got disappointed because the time allotment is only 120 mins and I didn’t finish it.  I just guessed the answer on the last 10 items. OK, strike two.

To my surprise, my test in College Trigonometry (MATH 12) is a lot easier than my tests last semester in College Algebra. And for the very first time in my stay in PLM, I felt confident that I could pass the test. Then came the examination in Pagbasa at Pagsulat sa Iba’t-ibang Disiplina (FIL 12).For me, this is the hardest of all the examinations I’ve encountered this week. As expected, I, together with some of my classmates, got a low grade. Strike three.

And for the coup de grâce of the Midterm Week, the test in Political Science (SOC SCI 12) came this morning. I had a headache while memorizing - and understanding - the concepts of Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine,St. Thomas Aquinas, and Niccolo Machiavelli. And thanks to God, I got a high grade. There’s no strike four.

Now, I’m ready to take my well deserved rest. I’ll face my probl;ems again on Monday. For now, I’ll just enjoy myself.

P.S. I love Neyo’s song entitled “Mad”.