The Dumbing of Nate
Often I think about the effects numerous drugs have taken on my brain. I've worried over the years that I may be getting dumber as a result of the loads of powder I put up my nose, or the pills I ate, or the smoke in my lungs. I get really worried when I see "60 Minutes" and they do an expose on the as yet undetermined long term effects of repeated drug use.
As part of the registration process for my school all students are required to take an English and Math assessment test. Because of some college English I've taken, I opted out of that test. Which left Math. No problem, right? I took AP Calculus in high school and scored an overall "A". I blasted through the 12 question Algebra test and was sure I'd be given an honorary degree for my brilliant performance.
Boy was I surprised! Out of a possible score of 120 I got a 64. That score qualified me to take "Survey of Algebra 109". Survey!! Have I poisoned my brain so much that I could do so horrible in a subject I used to read fiction novels through, and still ace the tests? I needed no less than a 74 on the test in order to be admitted into the appropriate class for my degree.
So yesterday I went back to the school to retake the test. After a quick review on the school's website, I sat down in front of the computer to begin a modest proof into my still viable skills. I spent twice as long this time - 20 minutes - and checked all my work by plugging the answer into the equation, just like a good boy. When the test was over, my score was calculated. 102.
I heaved a great sigh of relief. It was a small victory, sure, but my worries get out of control if I don't see some sign to the contrary. Now I can go on being the brilliant scholar I am. Hah. No drug can dumb ME down, I'll tell you what.
As part of the registration process for my school all students are required to take an English and Math assessment test. Because of some college English I've taken, I opted out of that test. Which left Math. No problem, right? I took AP Calculus in high school and scored an overall "A". I blasted through the 12 question Algebra test and was sure I'd be given an honorary degree for my brilliant performance.
Boy was I surprised! Out of a possible score of 120 I got a 64. That score qualified me to take "Survey of Algebra 109". Survey!! Have I poisoned my brain so much that I could do so horrible in a subject I used to read fiction novels through, and still ace the tests? I needed no less than a 74 on the test in order to be admitted into the appropriate class for my degree.
So yesterday I went back to the school to retake the test. After a quick review on the school's website, I sat down in front of the computer to begin a modest proof into my still viable skills. I spent twice as long this time - 20 minutes - and checked all my work by plugging the answer into the equation, just like a good boy. When the test was over, my score was calculated. 102.
I heaved a great sigh of relief. It was a small victory, sure, but my worries get out of control if I don't see some sign to the contrary. Now I can go on being the brilliant scholar I am. Hah. No drug can dumb ME down, I'll tell you what.