The last few weeks of school are tough on students. In addition to studying for exams, final assignments need to be completed and submitted. Students feel so overwhelmed with the pressures of exam week that many become physically and mentally exhausted. To ease the pressure, they look for ways to relax their mind and body. For some, listening to music is therapeutic, others resort to retail therapy.
Although there are many ways to alleviate stress, three Grade 11 students at St. Joseph’s College School for girls — Liyo Thoms, Prescylla Mizinga and Sarafina Asefaw — believe that praying helps get them through the hassles of exams.
“Praying releases exam stress because it gives you the strength and confidence to write your exams with the grace of God,” said Thoms who is studying for world religions and math exams.
In many cases, extracurricular events add to the exam anxiety.
Praying gives Asefaw “the strength to overcome any conflicts outside of school,” which in turn gives her “a clear mind for exams.” For this semester, Asefaw must write English and math exams, subjects that cause her anxiety. She prays before exams and trusts that with God’s guidance she will do well. After completing exams, she takes time to thank God for the strength He has given her throughout.
Mizinga is writing math and history exams. She believes that “praying puts you in a place where it’s just you and God and everything else in the world disappears.”
“Praying is honestly the key to success,” she said.
In addition to studying, she makes sure to dedicate time to connect with God through prayer to help her overcome obstacles such as exams.
Teachers know this time of the year is crunch time for students and they try to do their best to help ease worries. Ralph Bertram, chaplaincy team leader at St. Joseph’s, understands how preparations for exams can be stressful for students and believes that praying gives a sense of security.
“I believe that all students should find ways to help lessen exam worries, like a simple task such as praying,” said Bertram. “It’s like you have someone watching over you and it’s good for students to feel a sense of reassurance while preparing for exams.”
Bertram pointed out that St. Joseph’s College has a child and youth worker who organizes a pre-exam meditation. Half an hour before exams start, she helps students calm their bodies and minds through meditation, helping them to become stress-free when they enter the examination room.
And when the final second of the last exam has passed, summer can finally begin.
(Oro, 16, is a Grade 11 student at St. Joseph’s College School in Toronto.)