When I was student, I had a recurring dream that went something like this:  I’m sitting in the front row of a lecture class eager to learn, but the teacher is speaking in a strange language I don’t understand.

Figuring I could always translate my notes later, I try to madly write down every syllable.  But my pen has run dry, and I can’t even find my notebook.

As the lecture continues, my breath becomes short.  I sweat profusely.  With the final exam only days away, how will I ever pass?

And then I wake up.

Welcome to the nightmare of the ill-prepared student note-taker.