Knowing that I couldn’t put it off any longer, I grudgingly walked over to the shelving unit where I keep all of my magazines and course books. With a loud sigh, I sat down in front of them.

As I began to extend my arm toward the large pile of novels – only one of my classes provided me with an actual textbook – the newest issue of “Seventeen” caught my eye. Without hesitation, I snatched it and skimmed through the pages.

Several minutes passed before I realized that I was getting off track. It took all of my effort to put the magazine down and focus on what really needed to be done.

I started looking through the books one by one, muttering each title to myself. “Catcher in the Rye” – no; “Wit” – no; “Whatever It Takes” – no; “Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times” – yes.

Scowling, I yanked the book from the shelf, and it was as though I had just picked up a brick. I skipped to the last page and couldn’t believe my eyes – it was 560 pages long.

I slowly lifted myself to my feet and trudged back to my bed. Angrily, I threw the book down. I stared at it for a few seconds, hoping that it would somehow disappear, but the biography stayed put.

After realizing that glaring at the book was doing nothing, I grabbed it, sat down, and flipped to page one. “The struggle for North American began long before Andrew Jackson was born…”

From that moment on and for a week straight, all I did was read. When I wasn’t in class or at the cafeteria, I locked myself in my room and did nothing but study, day in and day out.

On the day of the quiz, I could feel butterflies in my stomach. I hadn’t finished the book, only picking out the pieces needed to fill in the study guide.

Once I was given the examination, I began. I flew through it, completing the 50 true and false questions in about 10 minutes. Refusing to go over my answers, I turned it in.

Friday rolled around and I held my breath, unsure of how well I had done. I waited until my professor called my name and handed me my quiz. I smiled as soon as I saw my grade: a 92 percent.

I guess my parents were right – studying really does pay off.