My Experience with Exam Anxiety

It's my first time preparing for a university's examination. As a fresher in the University of Lagos, of course, I was told to read like crazy. "This is the only year where you have to lay a good foundation for your GP. Read your materials, take notes, buy past questions and solve them.", they said to me. As the examination date was drawing nigh, I awaited this day with all sorts of mixed feelings. Fear clouded my sense of being and cold shivers ran through my body at the mention of the name, "Exam". Seriously, I read. Infact, I read really hard. But it seems as though I never read. I lived my days full of tension and apprehensive uneasiness as I hope that the exams would just come and go. Just like a JJC in the university whose school fees was funded by cooperative societies' loan, every opportunity I get is to read and read. In the main library, faculty library, classroom, lagoon front, library extension, love garden, and anywhere that's comfortable to sit, I was there reading and preparing for my first examination. Of course, my GP must be giving as 5.0 is the goal.

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These days were really hectic as I couldn't find time to relax myself. I was so full of tension to an extent that I lost appetite for food. I just couldn't eat because I want to come out in flying colours. Of course, a girl has got to make her mama proud. However, to make mama proud has to come with a price. Yes, I denied myself of sleep. It was from one night reading to another. Even while reading, I struggle to understand because I battled with shaky hands and vibrating body as a result of fear. The reason for this fear is as a result of the information our seniors has fed us with concerning Unilag exams. "You people have to read hard ooo. Hmm, the questions ehn, some will see it and start to cry in the examination hall. Those lecturers are mean oo. They'll laugh with you in class and show you pepper in the examination hall. You people should read your books from cover to cover.", they said. All these words dwelled in me. Infact, they built a mansion in my mind. I said to myself "God, will I see the exam questions and start to cry?" . This made me cry. I cried so hard. I prayed. I asked God to send down Angel Gabriel so he can at least share a good news with me concerning the exams. Those days were really tough days for me. As a result of stress, tension and lack of rest, I fell ill with malaria. Malaria really dealt with me by sending its agents of burning headaches, body pain, high body temperature and the likes to come live in my body.

Finally, the day of examination came. I was ready to tackle whatever question I may come across. I got my biros, pencils, eraser, ruler and even crayons ready. Although I was so scared when I entered the hall, I remained as calm as possible. The question papers were distributed and when I finally open mine, I almost shouted "Oh my God!". I brightened myself with a beautiful smile as I prepared myself to answer the questions. I felt really happy because I could see all I read in the questions. Thus, I wrote the exams well and in a calm state. I realised that there is no cause for alarm in preparing for examinations. All that is needed is to read. I said to myself "Read wide and read wisely, and you'll see yourself doing great. There's really no cause for anxiety and tension."

this is my first entry for the inleo daily prompt #januaryinleo and I am inviting you to join in writing on all the amazing topics.

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