Hi, I'm studying financial accounting and advanced taxation. It's a step below studying to be an accountant. If I pass my exams I can stream into the 3rd year of a degree or I can continue studying to become a chartered accountant.

My problem is the theory in both areas. I'm a visual learner but it's difficult to turn the dry facts into a medium I can work with.

I have gone through all the sample and past papers. I have rewritten it all into my own words. I rewrite it and look over it often but it's not sticking!

Can anyone advise me on how to get it into my brain for long enough to do the exam? My exams are in two weeks and I feel I've been working hard and achieved nothing. I would be grateful for any suggestions.

You have posted about other issues with your family. How are those issues affecting your ability to concentrate and recall?

Thankfully they have been resolved. We are back on an even keel and they are not impacting on my studies.

My problem is more mundane. It is as I said, my inability to remember so many dry facts, being a visual learner.

It helps to draw pictures, using color, and mnemonics when you are a visual learner. Are you an auditory learner as well?

Have you thought about the fact that perhaps this isn't the right career path for you?

I'm not sure. I find that after I've read over something, discussing it with someone helps it to stick. I don't want to ask anyone to do that though as it's unfair. Most people I know have no interest in the subject.

You've given me an idea though. I could talk it through on tape. Then no-one would have to listen to me. Maybe it'll stick then. Thanks for your help.

I have. The ideal path for me would be studying English literature. Unfortunately I cannot afford the fees to attend college. This course I'm on normally costs €4000 and is run by some of the top business colleges in my country.

Luckily there is an organisation running this course for free. To get on to it I had to do an exam and an interview. I showed an aptitude for it and have always enjoyed the calculations.

Last year, the theory covered marketing, business management and company law. I found that difficult too but this year I'm really struggling with the accounting theory.

I really want to make a career in this area partly because I think I would enjoy it and partly because I've committed the last two years of my life to it.

Anyway, any help would be appreciated, thank you.

I had to smile - my major was English. I can quote verbatim, loved reading and learning, everything stayed with me, I did very well.

But then along came math - I SWEAR if someone could drill a hole in my head and stuff the information in it would spit right back out. I keep saying I just don't have a mind for math.

I wonder why some subjects are so much easier than others, if people are wired in different fashions - ?

Glad things are otherwise working out.

Do you think you can stand working with figures all day if it's an uphill battle?

Hi JudyKay, I have to say I agree with you about the English. I light up inside when discussing English literature. I could talk about Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice all day for example.

I also love to write but unfortunately cannot devote the time to it that I'd like. I'm writing a book at the moment and there has been some interest in it. I will definitely go back to it once I get these exams out of the way.

Apart from that and I know it's a bit weird, I also love doing calculations (not the theory part as you know). If I'm practising calculations in the evening, four hours can go by without me noticing until one of my sons walk in and say "hey Mum, take a break!" I suppose I just like solving problems.

I'm a strange combination, like most people. Yes, I agree that most people are wired differently, absolutely.

Why did you switch from English to Math? Was it just part of your degree? My son was studying English and Music in his first year of university. Now he's dropped English and it's just pure music. He got into a difficult course (30 people chosen out of hundreds). He wants to be a music therapist. He's going to the USA in August for a year for further study. He's so excited.

Now there's someone who knows what he's doing with his life not like his silly Mum still trying out different courses. If only I'd had his sense when I was his age. :-)

Math was forced on me in order to get my degree. I didn't see the point in it. If 3 pears are 99 cents, divide by 3, 33 cents per pear.

The professor didn't think so.

I think it's all about wiring!

Ha ha, I'd rather be eating the pear!