My recall used to be perfect but has faded drastically with age. However, if I write something down I usually retain it and never have to refer to the note itself.
At 35 I haven't lost it yet but for at least 50% of my life have been a HEAVY marijuana user because it helps dull this problem.
School was easy but dreaming is a nightmare. Again, drugs are the the only thing that helps. I hate having such vivid dreams and remembering all the awful details. I remember dreams from decades ago like I had them last night. It's horrible mostly, again, marijuana was a God send.
Killing my memory with drugs and alcohol isn't great but I've found it better than the alternative and often discuss with my therapist how jealous I am of people that waltz through life confidently forgetting all their screw up and mistakes.
I had to train myself to care less about my mistakes and also to let myself forget. I get that replaying in your head over and over. I still remember an embarrassing moment from the fifth grade, but perspective has taken the sting out of it.