3 min read

2319: Pen and Paper

2319: Pen and Paper
Photo by Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

A Break From the Routine

Last week, I took a much-needed break from posting because it was incredibly busy. It was one of those weeks filled with exams. It's always surprising how, even after mentally preparing for a test well in advance, the nerves can still kick in as the test day approaches. Fortunately, the exams went well, and now we're heading towards the end of the semester. It's an interesting time, especially with Easter just passing. I hope everyone had a great Easter and remembers that spring is a time for growth and renewal.

Solar Eclipse Coming Up

Next Monday, April 8th, the 2024 solar eclipse will reach 100% eclipse in Carbondale, IL. Although solar eclipses are rare, it feels like they've been happening more often; the last one I remember was in 2017. Everyone was really excited about it, and rightfully so, because it's a remarkable event. If you're in the path of the eclipse, stretching from the northeast-ish, make sure you catch it, just don't look directly at it without the special glasses.

A map of the contiguous U.S. shows the path of the 2024 total solar eclipse stretching on a narrow band from Texas to Maine.

Reevaluating Digital Note-Taking

Since early March, I've been rethinking taking notes digitally. Initially, switching to digital notes was a game-changer for me. It boosted my creativity, made my materials easily accessible, and relieved me from carrying too many notebooks—particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic when digital learning became the norm. However, I started feeling disconnected from the material; everything seemed to blend together, despite my efforts to stay organized. It felt like that one cluttered drawer everyone has at home.

This prompted a shift back to basics for me. Despite the convenience of having everything on my iPad, I missed the tactile experience of writing. So, I decided to start small and bought a new notebook during spring break. This change was a breakthrough for me. Writing things down helped me understand and retain information better. Eventually, I found a happy medium with a notebook called the Rocketbook. It combines the best of both worlds by allowing me to write notes by hand and then scan them into a digital format. This solution brought back the tangible connection I was missing.

Back to the Basics

The realization that I needed to change came from feeling like my study method was failing me. I started exploring new ways to take notes, seeking advice, and doing research. I learned that there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to learning; it's about finding what works best for you. For me, returning to pen and paper has provided the flexibility and boundlessness I needed. It's a reminder that sometimes, going back to basics is the best way forward.

Your Experience?

I'm curious, have you faced a challenge recently? How did you overcome it?

Peace,

Zechariah Davis


Song of the week:

  • "Baller"
    • NAV

Quote of the week:

  • "If it's good for the Goose, then it's good for the gander, don't take life too seriously...... you'll never make it out alive.
    • Kyle Davis

Scripture of the Week:


Looking to spread the word about the latest issue of '2319'? Simply copy this link and share it through text, social media, or email:

2319.ghost.io/2319-pen-and-paper/