Overflowing assignments & unstable mental capacities. Trust me when I say I know, we all know. Whether you’re educationally inclined, an absolute nerd, or you just don’t prioritize education, we’ve all experienced a form of stress. Some stress sources are worse than others, especially during the finals season. No matter the circumstances, it’s okay to not be okay. Besides, we’re young, we shouldn’t have to worry this much especially in our youth. In our younger years, we strive to enjoy ourselves, engaging with friends, but at the same time in our teenage years we grow distant. The overwhelming majority of school affects us in our given age, where’s the room for clarity? Countless sources cover the importance of finals week and mental health, referring to one in particular (Honor Society published May 17 2023) it covers criteria that may come to play during finals, such as isolation, sleep deprivation, and the overall burnout, even extending further information through a short video. In other words, finals are an absolute pain. 

I asked other panthers about how finals affect them. Here’s what the had to say: 

“I’m stressing out and I’m going to crashout” – Krisenda Guzman, Junior 

“I despise finals and what is the point” – Jaz, Senior 

“Stressed and Nervous.” – Anonymous, Senior              

“Finals week is literally making me suffer.” – Anonymous, Junior

It’s definitely safe to say that finals week is draining. Speaking on behalf of each high school student, I know it may be frustrating. At times we just want to drop everything we’re doing and give up. Finals week isn’t something to stress too much on, since we have a whole new semester to start fresh and hopefully do way better. There’s chances of ever taking summer school, Saturday school, even winter session. These are opportunities for improvement, personal growth, I’d say take as much advantage as you can. This isn’t going to ruin your life, believe me. 

Everyone can succeed even during normal tests which you wouldn’t consider that “serious”, when you know they are. The more help you try to get trying to grasp an understanding pertaining to another subject, believe it when I say, you’ll do better. You’ll definitely even feel better once you’ve noticed getting help makes a difference. Overall, don’t let finals take over your life, keep going with the flow, keep a positive attitude even if you don’t feel too confident, there’s always room for improvement. Personally, I’ll share that finals week was absolute despair for me. The work flow, the inability to do better when I know I can, overall distress. But, even if I’m pessimistic I know it’s best at times to try to keep hope just so I can pull through it all. Remember, panthers, it’s going to be okay. Make sure to take care of yourselves by drinking plenty of water, getting 8 or more hours of sleep, and finding ways to make yourself feel happy.

And, good news: finals are over–so allow yourselves this weekend to recover and sleep. Your brain and your spirit needs it.