The Stress of Finals
Written by Karl Houtman, Former Student on Monday, January 12, 2015
As the first semester draws to a close, finals week comes ever closer. The last-minute cramming for tests, the stress, the feeling of sitting in that seat, and taking a test you may or may not have a chance at passing are all feelings that we embrace when our time soon comes.
Stressing about finals is not a good idea. This is true in many cases, because as stress controls your mind, you begin to lose your train of thought and will soon forget all the material that you have so desperately been trying to remember for that fateful day.
“It’s not the test I’m looking at; it’s what they learned,” aid Linda Sparks, an English and mythology teacher at Snohomish High School.
Optimism during finals week is very much encouraged, due to the fact that it allows us to be gleeful and even enthusiastic during finals week. Why wouldn’t you be excited? The school year is halfway done with, and we are closer to the end of another year of school.
An even better thought is for the seniors at SHS. This is their halfway point for their final year of high school, and they are slowly preparing for the rest of their lives every single day.
Finals are being held this year on January 21-22. Students will go to only three classes each day, but will stay within their classrooms for two hours each in order to take their designated finals.
“This time of year is so stressful, but it really helps to start studying a week before everyone else does,” said Senior Mandy Ruhnke.
Cramming for a final is never a good idea if you choose to do so at the very last minute. Instead, space out studying to suit your wants and needs. Also, make sure to take your time at a rather leisurely pace to ensure the material is well thought out and you know what you're being tested upon almost verbatim.
While this time of year is stressful, we must not forget that we have duties amongst us all, and all we have to do is embrace our futures and do what we can to make them brighter. Whether or not that’s a passing grade on your final or a diploma in your hand, you lead your future. So make the most of it.
