As a college freshman, I have been exposed to the most stressful time of the semester, known as finals season. These final exams make up a large portion of your grade, creating a frenzy of stressful students staying in the library all day and night. Taking the exam is even more stressful. Here is what went through my head when I took my first college final ever in Calculus 1:

1. Who are these people?

A majority of these students I have never seen before, considering most students don’t show up to class (including myself).

2. How well do I really need to do?

You’re lying if you say you didn’t try to calculate how well you needed to do on the final to pass. Once you calculate that number you just hope the curve will help.

3. How many curve helpers are here?

If you’re in calc and don’t know the difference between differentiation and integration, I am so sorry because there is very little hope for you. Please make sure you don’t copy your homework all semester.

4. Why is this packet so large?

Once the test is passed out, the pages seem never ending and you’re just in for a dreadful three hours.

5. This seems too easy

Wow, my professor decided to not be the antichrist for once

6. I spoke too soon

Never mind, these numbers were brought from Satan himself.

7. Why did that student leave in 20 minutes?

I wasn’t sure if this student was incredibly quick in math or simply gave up but why leave a three-hour exam so quickly?

8. I am definitely doing this wrong

I know I am doing the steps right, but why are these numbers so messy?

9. Just kidding, I did this right

At least I think I did it right this time?

10. I’ll just rely on the curve at this point

Seriously, I need the curve helpers to shine.

11. I think I won’t have to retake this class!

The beautiful feeling of passing in your answers and being confident that you maybe got the 50 you needed to pass the class. The stress is over and now I get to stress about my next four finals.