Reflections on Greek 1

My Struggle with Time

                                                   

Initially, I could finish my readings and complete my assignments on time. However, from March onwards, I knew I was grappling with both. I was juggling between coordinating the two weeks of Missions Convention, teaching “Knowing Your Bible” to the new believers and creating Bible Study materials for care cells in church, coordinating the food logistics for the Royal Rangers Youth Leadership Academy camp and assisting in Hospitality and Manpower committee for the World Assemblies of God Congress. I worked round the clock and struggled to have sufficient sleep, much less to read my textbook. There were days when I had to pop a few Danzen tablets into my mouth because my throat was inflamed. All these affected my pace and understanding of Greek, a friend I have decided to make.

In class, I struggled to keep myself awake and understand the lectures. Outside of class, I struggled to keep up with memorising the vocabulary list and completing my assignments on time. As a language person, I know revising the vocabulary list is a daily commitment. That’s the only way to retain these words. At first, I could revise using the Flash cards apps when I commute to work. However, in March, I really could not do it. When I was in the train, all I wanted to do was to rest my brain and close my eyes as I would have spent my energy staring at the computer for my work. To use my eyes and brain continuously would really push me beyond the cliff. I needed help desperately. This was the first time I saw the red signal light blinking in my mind.

                            

My Achievement

Naturally, one achievement I was most proud of was when I caught up with my readings and my assignments. In early April, when all the excitement settled down, I was determined to pick up my forsaken textbook and revise my lecture notes. I spent a few mornings and afternoons reading my textbook. This included bringing my textbook to visit a friend at the hospital. After visitation, I studied at one of the cafes in the hospital. After reading the textbook and revising the lecture notes, completing the assignments became manageable. I was so glad that I was no longer behind the schedule. Since I had more rest, I also have more energy to study the vocabulary list when I commute to work.  

Invigorating Moments
                                          

            I find parsing moments invigorating. Yes. Refreshing my memory on the grammar, flipping the notes and referring to Greek charts can be a hassle. Yes. I had to refer to my vocabulary list at times still. Yes. I still make mistakes. Yet, once I get all the information I need, parsing is like detective work to me and I find it fun. I love English grammar. I cannot explain it but I just find English grammar makes sense and I enjoy dissecting them into parts when I studied it in university. When I faced the Greek sentences on the paper waiting for me to parse them, one part of me was worried if I parsed correctly. The other part of me could feel a surge of energy shooting up to my mind telling me to parse them fast because I wanted to decipher its meaning.

Thank God for Sis Davina and Sis Jen who were very patient and kind to us. I really appreciated their help, especially Sis Davina who gave us extra coaching outside class hours.

How I wish I can memorize all the vocabulary words in a breeze without hours of memory work! How I wish I can remember all the grammar rules without referring to the notes! I guess being consistent is the key to learning Greek and I must not give up easily since I have signed up for Greek 2.