Hello,
It all began with a top-secret mission to the Exam Unit. I felt like I was carrying the nuclear codes, except instead of launching missiles, these little packets of paper held the fate of 236 students. And then.. the piece de resistance: The body cam.
This was it – the first time this little technological marvel was being used for invigilation. Talk about pressure! Not only was I responsible for the exam, but I was also a guinea pig for this new system. Suddenly, I was less chief invigilator and more… well, I’m not sure what. A surveillance expert? Either way, this little gadget was supposed to be my shadow for the next few hours. Successfully retrieved the questions (and the cam), I guarded them with my life. I also tried to figure out how to turn the darn thing on without accidentally broadcasting my internal monologue about needing more coffee. Friday afternoon invigilation while sleep-deprived? Come on, send help (and coffee please). 😴
When I reached the exam hall, I checked the seating chart that looked suspiciously like a complex maze of mathematical equation. First things first: the cam. And that’s when I realized: perhaps entrusting this expensive piece of technology to my own fumble-fingered self was a recipe for disaster. Enter my trusty helpers, bless their soul. “Could you… perhaps… be in charge of this?” I asked, handing over the cam with a sheepish grin. “Just… you know… make sure it’s… pointing in the right direction? And maybe… prevent me from doing anything too embarrassing on camera?”. They laughed. Ok, fine. I thanked them anyway. 😑
With the cam now safely in the hands of a responsible adult, it was time for my other crucial role: The Voice of Doom. I cleared my throat, adjusted the microphone (making sure it wasn’t going to give anyone feedback-induced trauma), and launched into my pre-exam spiel. “Attention, everyone! Welcome to the… ahem… examination. Please ensure all mobile phones and electronic devices are switched off and placed in the designated area. Any unauthorized use of these devices will result in… well, let's just say it won't be a fun time. Also, no talking, no sharing, no telepathy. Just good old-fashioned brainpower. Good luck!” I paused, realizing I sounded suspiciously like a villain in a superhero movie. “And… uh… may the odds be ever in your favor.” As if they are battling in The Hunger Games (I couldn’t resist.) 😅
And then the exam started! The students, a sea of focused faces (and the occasional nervous fidgeter). My job? To be the silent guardian of academic integrity, the watchful eye that sees all (except, hopefully, any rogue notes). And now, thanks to the body cam (and my helper’s watchful eye), so could…well, whoever was watching the recorded feed. Talk about pressure! It's a delicate balance: being present enough to deter any shenanigans, but not so intimidating that you give someone a panic attack. I perfected the art of the "casual stroll," the "intrigued glance at the ceiling" (which actually means I'm checking if anyone's using their phone under the desk), the "I swear I didn't see that" look when someone dropped their pen for the fifth time, and the "please don't let me do anything embarrassing on camera" internal mantra. The highlights? Answering the same question ("Can I go to the toilet?") approximately 100 times.
Anddd finally, after 120 minutes, I announced the final bell! A collective sigh of relief (mine included). Now, the Herculean task of collecting 236 scripts. It's like herding cats, except the cats are made of paper and contain the hopes and dreams of an entire semester. We stacked, sorted and counted them, I prayed they were all in the right order. And then, the final act for the body cam: its triumphant return to my helper (who probably deserved a medal). The precious cargo (and the cam) delivered! My mission accomplished. I returned the scripts and the cam to the Exam Unit, feeling like a triumphant warrior returning from battle (slightly weary, but triumphant nonetheless). I'm also incredibly thankful that the entire exam period passed without any major drama. Just… exams.
But wait! There's a sequel! Now, the real challenge begins: 236 scripts, each waiting to be graded. I will be entering the marking cave next week. Wish me luck, send coffee, and pray for my sanity. Bye!
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