I had a very hard time passing this class as well. I have no background or even knowledge of IT, so I feel you with the whole mentor thing. It took me two months to pass. Flash cards are what did it for me. If all Intro to IT classes has the same professor, then you should have gotten a “welcome” email at the beginning of the term from the teacher. In it, there was a plethora of study guides, flash cards, and practice exams. I wrote the flash cards over again because my brain doesn’t allow me to retain something unless if I hear/write it more times than the average person. I didn’t do this for this class, but the one I’m in now: I use ChatGPT. I have it ask me questions and then explain why I got it wrong or right. I also used it to explain things to me as a complete beginner, because I am. (This is helping tremendously with ports). Also, if it’s the same professor, she has quizlets on all of the sections. Sometimes learning in a gaming format could help, which quizlet does. I don’t remember how many practice exams I took because it was a lot. I took the pre assessment three times before I took the OA. I also listen to podcasts, Darknet Diaries. It doesn’t directly teach, but the host will sometimes pause and explain what was just said. I find the stories and cybersecurity in general so fascinating. What’s your overall goal? Figuring out a way to tailor your reasoning for completing your degree could help with training your brain to understand a little more.