The Art of Examinations at COTA

(By: Sylvia Hashondali )

At the College of the Arts, examinations are not just about marks or passing grades; they are about discovering purpose, refining passion, and expressing one’s truest creative self. For many students, the exam season is less about sitting in a hall with papers and pens and more about creating, performing, and presenting the essence of who they are through their art.

In an interview with Campus Connect, Roccarna Hailume, a third-year Fashion Design student, said the fashion journey was an unexpected calling, one that ultimately revealed her purpose.

“Fashion has always been my calling,” she says. “I never paid much attention to it until I sat down and thought about what my purpose in life truly is. Through fashion, I discovered who I really am, and through fashion, I found God.” Examinations for fashion students at the College are anything but ordinary. They are a blend of theory, design projects, and hands-on creation. “In the first and second year, balancing theory, projects, and practical work was tough,” Roccarna explains. “But by the third year, the work becomes more project-based, more real. You’re taught how to work under pressure and still produce something beautiful.”

Deadlines, precision, and creativity collide in a way that challenges both skill and spirit. For Roccarna, managing exam stress comes down to faith and self-care.“I manage my stress by spending time with God, reading my Bible, going to church, and worshipping Him. My work is dedicated to Him. I also exercise to take care of my mental, emotional, and physical health.” “Remember the goal. Anyone can do fashion or visual arts, but not everyone can bring you to the table. What you offer is unique, don’t forget that.”

Across campus, in the Film and Television Department, Advocate Simasiku shares a similar understanding of how examinations test more than just academic knowledge. A graduate who majored in Directing and Scriptwriting, he believes creativity is both discipline and discovery. “Preparation for exams is all about practice and immersion,”

Advocate explains. “Film and TV are very hands-on, so I spend a lot of time revisiting my past projects and analyzing what worked and what didn’t. It’s less about cramming and more about sharpening instincts.” Through his time at the College, Advocate’s perception of filmmaking has evolved deeply. “When I first joined, I thought filmmaking was just about capturing moments.

Now, I see it’s about crafting emotion, creating something that connects with people long after the screen goes black.” Like many creatives, Advocate turns to writing as a form of release during exam periods.“Writing is my therapy. When things get intense, I turn to poetry or short reflections, it helps me release pressure and find clarity.” For him, creativity extends far beyond the arts.

“Creativity isn’t just for artists; it’s a mindset. It helps you approach challenges in a different way, even in exams. It makes studying engaging instead of robotic.” Balancing discipline and imagination isn’t easy, but Advocate says it’s possible.

“I set clear academic goals, but I also give myself space to breathe (By: Sylvia Hashondali ) (Image: COTA) and create. Sometimes that means sketching a scene or jotting down a story idea between study sessions. It keeps my spirit alive.” As exam season approaches, his message to fellow students is heartfelt: “Trust your journey, trust your effort. Exams test knowledge, not your worth.

You’re capable of more than you think.” Both Roccarna and Advocate remind us that examinations at the College of the Arts go far beyond assessment; they are acts of growth, resilience, and self-expression. Whether through a garment stitched with purpose or a story told with truth, every student learns that creativity, like faith, is a lifelong journey, one that cannot be graded, only lived.