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By: Emmanuel Lance Cristopher Plan June 15, 2006 Hello MTG Kids! In the coming weeks and months, some of you are going to embark on one of the most exciting trips in your life. Probably, it's not as exciting as you expect, because it certainly is tiring. But it will surely be fun! I am talking about none other than the international competitions that you'd be joining (of course, brought to you by MTG). Before you venture out into those new places though, you might want to scan through the following tips. Some may be useful to you. Some may not. The important thing is that you come there fully prepared and ready to take on the competition. For the contest itself: 1. In the days leading to the competition: Start making yourself aware of the types of questions that might appear in the contest. Some contests tend to lean on some certain types of problems and it might be helpful to focus on those more. But still, it is necessary for you to study on other topics as well. 2. The day before the competition: Rest, and practice only a bit. Sleep early. The television in your hotel (or dorm or whatever place you’re staying in) might be tempting, so watch out. Don't dare staying up until midnight. Take your vitamins and kiss your mommy goodnight (unless she stayed at home). Don't forget to set your alarm lock. Not all hotels have a nice way of setting alarms especially if they are to call up 20 rooms all at the same time. 3. The morning of the competition: Wake up early enough, eat a good meal, and enjoy the upcoming day. Don't review topics. Rather, if you wish, practice a few simple problems and run down on a few theorems or formulas. It might also be helpful to whet your mind by playing puzzles like Sudoku. 4. Upon arriving at the testing room: Focus at the task ahead. Make sure you turn off your cellphone. And no, not even in silent mode. Forget your crush as of the moment. Even if he or she is sitting beside you! Then pray, although you should be doing this even before the contest itself! Do not pray for you to win, but for you to be able to do your best. 5. During the contest itself: When the paper is given, fire away! But be sure you don't get too careless! Answer the easy ones first, since they take less time. Then, use your scratch paper properly. That way, you could easily go back to your solutions when you need to check them. Use other materials that would be helpful as long as they are allowed (e.g. ruler, calculator). You've probably been doing contests for so long and this should be no different. Go with your instincts. 6. After the contest: Smile! The contest is finished, so you can enjoy! A few mistakes here and there could sting, but it's all part of the learning experience. If you want, you could discuss the problems with your peers. Jot down the problems if you can. But then, you must go back to enjoying the moment! For everything else: 1. For your flight, make sure you or one of your fellow participants have a deck of cards. That will surely keep you entertained. You can't call yourself an MTG kid if you don't know any card game. If you want, you could ask a deck from the stewardess. The plane always has a few. But beware. Make sure you don't go all asking for a deck each. You wouldn't want them frowning at you. 2. Make sure you have things to help you preserve your memories of your trip. Bring a camera and take lots of pictures. Or, you could just ask your friends for a copy of the pictures they've taken. A journal too would be nice. And make sure you ask for your friends' email addresses and cell numbers to keep in touch with them. 3. Buy a souvenir or two for your little brother or sister (or friends or any member of your family). And learn to haggle! That's a skill you've probably yet to learn, or one that is already mastered by your moms! But be sure you don't use up all your pocket money! 4. Don't be a loner. Bond with your fellow participants. Visit them in their rooms. Usually, the last night, if not the night after the competition, is the night for UBE - The Ultimate Bonding Experience. 5. Don't bring scissors in your hand-carry baggage. No cutters or pointed and sharp edged materials. Pack light and be aware that the baggage you'd be bringing home would be heavier than the one you'd have when you leave. 6. In public places, always stay with adults. Also, be aware that there are some people who can't speak English (especially if you go to China or Southeast Asian countries). It might be best if you study a few basic words such as "wo u wei chang kwo yi" or something like that, meaning "I don't know how to speak the native language" or "Wo pu to." Hmm…they seem sound, right? I hope it helps. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck in your upcoming contests. But before I go, just one more reminder: Don't ever forget MTG. This is where life opened from your own little schools. MTG rules! |
