Feel like I’m not learning/retaining anything in school?

I was first in school back in 2023, but withdrew due to stuff going on with family. Things were going alright then. I restarted the program January 2026 but I feel like I’m not learning and retaining anything. I feel like I understand efflurage and petrisage, but when it comes to muscles and anatomy idk. I know a bit about the muscles but not a lot. I know some names but when it comes to location, attachments and origins and degrees, and all that I really couldn’t tell you anything. Same with kinesiology, I literally don’t understand the physics and all the like medical talk. I failed my first anatomy exam so I think that’s what is making me feel doubtful but I’m gonna keep going forward with the program because I have to do something with my life. I just don’t wanna be like completely incompetent lmt. I read the books, I highlight, I study, but for some reason, a lot isn’t sticking. So far, there’s really been no homework besides reading which I think is actually hindering me. I never thought I would say this, but please give me homework! Most of my classes are in the evening and I think my professors are just burnt out from the day so they’re not like super engaged. I also feel like my massage techniques teacher doesn’t like me and is like annoyed with me so I try not to ask too many questions.

I know it’s failing the first anatomy test that’s making me feel this way. I know it’s not the end of the world but I thought I’d at least get a C on it. I’ve worked at a couple spas and several therapist told me they feel like they didn’t learn anything in school, and my anatomy teacher even said when he was in school for massage he didn’t learn much. I don’t know if this is reassuring and validating, or concerning, or both. I’ve people tell me you really just need to know muscles and you can’t really go wrong with a massage.

This is kinda venting but also I just wanna know has anyone felt this way or went through something similar while in school? Any tips? I thought about writing my notes instead of printing the PowerPoints and reading them, but there’s like usually 50 slides per lesson and I just don’t know if I have time to do that for all my classes.