May, an exciting month full of proms, formals, the ending of the school year, and...standardized tests. Whether it be the SAT, ACT, AP, ISTEP, finals, or any other acronym, we've all been there. Number two pencils in hand and pens in black or blue ink, big erasers, constantly checking the clock during your essay, and number crunching. Remember second guessing yourself because you got the same answers too many times in a row? For many students, tests can come with a lot of anxiety, stress, and late nights.

Here's the thing about standardized tests: they're used to measure you on a relative spectrum comparing you to your peers. I know you've probably heard Einstein's quote, "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." Standardized testing is no different. While it's a part of life at this point, it in no way defines you.

You are more than that test you wish you did better on, a score out of 1600 or 36, or a grade in a class. Studying what sets your soul on fire and loving what you do means more than some standardized test ever will. Tests are important, but they are not everything.

When you look back, you won't remember that question that seemed impossible to answer. You're going to remember the friends you've made and the memories you've created. You'll remember your senior prom and your graduation. You'll remember the teachers who impacted you and made you love your field of study.

Don't let standardized tests make you lose your love for learning. Yes, studying can suck and is a struggle in itself, but remember that there's a difference between test-taking and learning. Learning is when you can't wait to go to your favorite class, wanting to ask questions, constantly formulating opinions, and just having a genuine curiosity. Learning is sometimes making mistakes and then learning from those same mistakes.

Whether you've taken your tests already or are still preparing for them, remember that you're going to be fine. No test can make or break you. Enjoy the month of May, because the best things in life are the things you can't study for.