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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, June 22, 2012 · 26 Student offers tips and advice on beating the stress of end of school year exams By Shailee Koranne Grade 10, White Oaks S.S. Exam time returns and brings with it anxiety It discourages them to know that they are going to have to again go through what they are dealing with twice in the coming year. Even though I don't quite have any difficult exams to worry about, I do find myself buried under the several different and strenuous summative projects I have due soon. The difficulty of juggling four very important projects at the same time is something I am only just realizing, and it is denting my excitement for the next school year. I believe that some students set themselves up for stress -- and I'm one of these people. I feel completely confident right up until a few days before the exam when I realize that I actually haven't tried very hard and do need to study intensively for my exams. I do my best not to complain, because -- let's be honest -- who wants to hear about somebody else's stress when they've already I t's every student's least favourite time of year again -- exam time. A thick cloud of anxiety hangs above the school, as people in every grade study for exams and race to finish their culminating projects. For the second time this year, students are frantically trying to recapitulate their studies with their friends and peers. I am a bit more relaxed this time around because I don't have exams for my weaker subjects to stress about, but I feel all the pressure of exams because my friends cannot stop worrying. Several of them have math and physics exams and have been worried for weeks now, even though exams aren't until the end of June. Everyone is short-tempered and sensitive and sleep-deprived. For many students, the time cannot go by any slower. "Every year, many, many stupid people graduate from college. And if they can do it, so can you." John Green, American author school. It's so strange to think that we are aged just 14-18, but are already feeling such incredible pressure. BIGGER PICTURE But look at the bigger picture. High school exams are indeed the gateway into college, university, an apprenticeship or a job right out of school, but everyone must remember to simply breathe and calm down because there are always second chances. Don't worry so much about your future. You will be perfectly fine. In the wise words of American author John Green: "Every year, many, many stupid people graduate from college. And if they can do it, so can you." If you are a teacher or student interested in participating in an upcoming Kids Speak Out - School News column featured in the Beaver, please e-mail Tom Dykes at dykes@cogeco.ca. got their own? I try to make a plan for myself. Make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Figure out your most important priority and tackle that first. Leave yourself the easiest things for the end. TAKE A BREAK Set aside at least half an hour a day for yourself to relax during the days that you are working and studying. Watch a mindless television show, listen to some good music, draw, read, go for a run, take a nap -- do whatever relieves your stress. Overworking your mind never churns out a pretty outcome. Most of all, try to remain positive. Exams aren't enthralling for anyone, and extra negativity might just send someone off the edge. Also, remember that once these exams are over, you have a break -- a long, well-deserved break from all the craziness that comes with the last month of high