My First University Economics Exam Experience

It was Friday, the first of March, and the day of my first university economics exam. The subject was Microeconomic Theory, and I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I woke up early in the morning, ensuring I had enough time to prepare. After having my breakfast, I touched the feet of my father and mother, seeking their blessings for the important day ahead. On my way to the examination hall, I noticed fellow students anxiously reviewing their notes on General Equilibrium Theory and Game Theory. Some were cramming last-minute details on Behavioral Economics, hoping to remember key concepts during the exam. Everyone carried pens and ink pots, ready for the challenge.

As the bell rang, signaling us to enter the hall, the atmosphere grew tense. The superintendent read out the instructions and asked us to take out any help books we might have and leave them on the stage. Reluctantly, a few students surrendered their notes on Macroeconomic Theory and Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Models. These were complex topics, and it was clear that everyone was hoping for a fair and manageable set of questions.

At exactly nine o'clock, answer books with blotting paper were distributed. The hall fell silent as we began to review the question paper. The questions covered a wide range of topics, from Growth Theory and Business Cycles to more advanced subjects like Econometrics and Advanced Econometric Methods. I read through the questions twice, carefully deciding which ones to tackle first.

I had devised a strategy: allocate more time to longer questions, such as those on Time Series Analysis and Panel Data Econometrics, and less time to shorter, specialized topics like Labor Economics, Wage Determination, and Employment and Unemployment. The questions on Public Economics were particularly challenging, covering areas such as Taxation and Public Spending, Social Insurance, and Public Goods. I made sure to pace myself, knowing that these sections would require careful thought and detailed answers.

Halfway through the exam, I encountered questions on Development Economics, which included topics like Poverty and Inequality, Economic Development Strategies, and the impact of Microfinance on Economic Growth. These questions were thought-provoking and required me to apply both theoretical knowledge and practical examples.

As the exam progressed, I found myself immersed in topics related to Industrial Organization, including Market Structure and Competition, Regulation and Antitrust, and Innovation and Market Dynamics. These areas required a deep understanding of how markets operate and the role of government in regulating and promoting competition.

With half an hour left, I had finished the entire paper. The superintendent continued to announce the remaining time every half hour, which helped keep me on track. Looking around, I saw some of my classmates still struggling, possibly with questions about International Economics, including International Trade Theory, International Finance, and the broader effects of Globalization and Economic Policy. These topics were complex and required a good grasp of both theory and current global economic issues.

As I sat there, my mind wandered to the beautifully decorated school compound outside. A colorful shamiana covered the area, adorned with buntings and balloons. A stage was set up for speeches and cultural programs, with tables and seats arranged for students and teachers. The sight reminded me of the importance of community and celebration, even amid the stress of exams.

Reflecting on the exam and the preparation that went into it, I couldn't help but recall a phrase from our studies: "Action is thy duty, reward is not thy concern." This thought comforted me, knowing that I had given my best effort in this challenging yet rewarding journey through the realms of economics. My first university economics exam had tested my knowledge on a wide array of topics, from foundational theories to advanced econometric methods, and had reinforced the importance of dedication and hard work.