As students watch the clock waiting for the last day of school, the end of the school year means more sunny days, finishing the final push of exams and finally getting a well-deserved break from the typical seven-hour school day. 

All this seems so exciting, however, this time of year has downsides. There is stress, anxiety and sleepless nights for the weeks before the upcoming final tests.

The heavy pressure placed on students’ shoulders to perform well on these tests, especially AP exams, worsens as coursework advances over the years. 

Students who had nothing more to think about besides where their vacation spot would be, are now overwhelmed with studying, cramming projects, and getting ready for strenuous exams. 

“The stress of an AP exam can come quickly and is really hard to manage. You just have to remember to start studying early, don’t wait until the last minute, which will definitely take off some pressure, but also take it one step at a time. It can be challenging, but you are capable of doing it,” says junior Ella English.

Although the tests are designed to prove that the students gained knowledge and show what they know in the finals, they often leave kids feeling drained and defeated, especially if they don’t do as well as they anticipated.

“As students, we can only take so much, and instead of allowing stress to consume us, we should take everything one day at a time, trusting that our teachers have prepared us enough and that the Lord has our backs,” says English teacher, Mrs. Gambill.

As we approach this time of year, remember that your grades do not define who you are as a person, and you are so much more than a number on a piece of paper.

“Many students let grades and achievements define who they are rather than letting Jesus define them and take the wheel,” said Gambill.