Taking exams can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for college freshmen. On October 20, 2025, students at Johns Hopkins University faced their first significant test of the semester, prompting reflections on the pressures associated with academic achievement. For many, including freshman Catherine Chan from Potomac, Maryland, this moment was both exhilarating and daunting.
As the exam papers were distributed throughout the lecture hall, Chan felt a rush of anxiety. While she appeared calm on the outside, her heart raced, and her thoughts raced even faster. The combination of typical pre-exam jitters and the effects of an energy drink left her feeling overwhelmed. “I couldn’t help but feel my pencil slipping through my fingers as I prepared to dive into the exam,” Chan recalled.
Despite the challenges, Chan’s experience highlights a crucial aspect of the student journey: the transition from the excitement of starting college to the reality of academic pressure. “It still feels surreal to be a student at Hopkins,” she noted, reflecting on the journey that had brought her to this moment.
Challenges of Academic Life
The rigorous academic environment at Johns Hopkins is well-known, and many students are aware of the demands they will face. Chan expressed that while the initial excitement of learning can be invigorating, the pressure to perform well during midterm exams can be overwhelming. As she prepared for her first exam in Organic Chemistry—often regarded as one of the more challenging courses—doubt began to creep in.
Thoughts of whether she was adequately prepared plagued her mind. “Did I do enough practice problems? What if I forgot something crucial?” These questions reflect a common experience among students facing high-stakes assessments. Chan acknowledged that, despite the encouragement to maintain an optimistic mindset, it is normal to feel doubt. “Exams can accurately reflect some learning to a degree,” she stated, suggesting that these feelings of uncertainty are part of the academic journey.
Instead of succumbing to anxiety, Chan opted for a mindset focused on acceptance. “I aim to live in harmony with my doubts, trusting the process rather than trying to eliminate those feelings,” she explained. This approach allowed her to maintain a sense of peace amid the chaos of exam preparation.
Building Resilience in Academic Pursuits
Chan’s experience underscores the importance of developing resilience in the face of academic challenges. As she navigates her first semester, she recognizes that her relationship with doubt and stress will evolve. “Organic Chemistry might have been my first exam, but it certainly won’t be my last,” she reflected, acknowledging that her college years will be filled with numerous opportunities to confront her fears.
As students at Johns Hopkins and beyond continue to grapple with the pressures of academic life, Chan’s perspective serves as a reminder that it is possible to find balance amid the stress. “Everything is still a work in progress,” she concluded, emphasizing that learning to manage pre-exam anxiety is a journey that many share.
In her role as a Social Media Manager for The News-Letter, Chan not only engages with her peers but also contributes to the dialogue surrounding student experiences. By sharing her thoughts, she aims to foster a sense of community among students confronting similar challenges at institutions like Johns Hopkins University.
As the semester progresses, students will undoubtedly encounter more exams and the accompanying anxieties. But with each experience, they also gain valuable insights into their own capabilities and the importance of self-acceptance in the quest for academic success.
