The Calculus of Success

If you asked me to name my best learning experience, you might expect me to talk about a subject that came naturally to me. Instead, it was retaking Calculus II. 

I initially took the course during my first year at Camosun College in the engineering transfer program. It was a massive eye-opener regarding the sheer level of difficulty expected at the post-secondary level. I have always expected myself to grasp subjects quickly, or at least intuitively understand the underlying concepts, but Calculus II completely shattered that expectation. 

The Illusion of Competence

Initially, I believed I could get away with my usual strategies: doing a few practice questions, assuming the knowledge would just flow. I was far from correct. I would attempt a problem, immediately check the answer key, and convince myself, “Oh yeah, I knew that.” this is a classic trap. I was expecting myself to know the rest of the answer without fully understanding the foundational concepts. Slowly but surely, I fell behind. I was completing my homework, but always at the very last minute. When I performed poorly on the first test, my motivation plummeted. Despite trying to force better habits, the semester ended in deep frustration and disappointment. I hadn’t taken the class seriously enough from the start. 

A New Algorithm for Studying

When I retook the class, everything shifted. I had a clear, driving motivation: I wanted to get into the computer science program at UVic and needed a specific grade to make it happen.

This time, I adopted a deeper, more active approach to learning. Instead of glancing at answer keys, I began relentlessly taking practice tests in simulated exam conditions. This strategy often helped. [What to do with practice exams] and changed everything. Grading myself honestly didn’t just deepen my understanding; it forced me to understand why an answer was correct rather than just how to get it.

Earning the Win

These simulated tests gave me a series of small wins, rebuilding the confidence and motivation I had lost the previous semester. Paired with actively utilizing office hours to ask my professor highly specific questions, I actually started to enjoy the experience. I was no longer dreading the material; I was excited to tackle questions because I finally understood the underlying mechanics.

Ultimately, retaking Calculus II taught me a hard but valuable truth: mastery requires time and targeted effort. True understanding is earned, not given, and you cannot gain anything worthwhile without being willing to sacrifice your comfort zone first.

Citations

What To Do With Practice Exams – Learning Strategies Center. (n.d.). https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/studying-for-and-taking-exams/what-to-do-with-practice-exams/

(2026). Edtechuvic.ca. https://edtechuvic.ca/edci335/motivation/

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