https://youtu.be/pbhhaB8q4R0

With finals right around the corner, anxiety, stress, and nervousness seem to be plaguing the halls of Niles West. For freshmen, especially, the anxiety and stress levels seem to be increasing as Dec. 16-18 approach. Freshmen will be experiencing their first final exams on the dates listed.

Many freshmen are uncertain and scared of the outcome of their exams.

“I’m really scared because if I don’t do good on one that can ruin my whole grade in that class,” freshman Yasmine Hijazin said.

Many freshman view finals this way, and do not know what to expect of them. According to freshman biology teacher Anthony Serafini, there is no reason to stress so much.

“I think it’s just the newness of it that makes it so difficult; they don’t know how to prepare for it or what to expect and so that I think causes a lot of stress,” he said. “Practice tests, looking at old tests and preparing yourself by just going over old exams is usually helpful.”

Upperclassmen often had the same advice for freshmen.

“I’d say not to stress about it because the more you stress about it the more nervous you get and you may not study as well,” junior Marina Dallas said, “Study a lot though.”

“Finals can be difficult if you don’t start studying early so I recommend starting as soon as possible and looking over the material you’ve gotten in class.” junior Thomas Lappas said.

Although many teachers and upperclassmen give advice to freshmen, many are still afraid of the exams.

“I think finals are really scary because what if I fail?” freshman Mareena Gurguis said. “It’s just so much stress because it’s like from the beginning of the semester to the end.”

English teacher Rachel Gross had some advice for anxious freshmen.

“I think a lot of students get so stressed out about finals because they see it as having a huge impact on their grade,” she said. “A lot of times the reality is that it doesn’t have as much of an impact on their grade as they think, though it depends on the class.”