At Steinbrenner High School, the final weeks of the academic year are marked not just by the arrival of summer but by the mounting pressure of exam week. As deadlines approach and testing schedules fill up, the hallways buzz with a mix of anxiety, focus, and determination. For many students, exam week is one of the most stressful times of the year, filled with long hours of studying, late-night cram sessions, and the challenge of balancing academic performance with mental well-being.
Students are pulling out every strategy in the book to prepare. For Addison Vandermolen, staying on top of her studies means taking a comprehensive, all-in approach.
“I’m prepping by going through everything and reviewing all of my classes and what they are giving me,” she said. From flipping through old notes to rewatching lecture recordings, Addison is making sure she leaves no stone unturned. Her goal: to go into each exam confident and fully prepared.
Her sister, Chloe Vandermolen, is taking a similarly thorough route.
“I’m preparing by checking and going over all of my materials before taking the exams,” she explained. Chloe’s strategy involves reviewing past assignments, making study guides, and breaking down complex topics so she can recall them more easily during test time. “It’s all about staying focused and not letting myself fall behind,” she added.
For others, the key to surviving exam week isn’t just how much you study—but how well you organize your time and tasks. Nevaeh Tabor shared how she’s tackling the stress: “I’m prepping by just trying to stay on top of everything and staying organized.” Nevaeh’s method involves using planners, to-do lists, and setting daily goals to keep her workload manageable.
“If I start to feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and regroup,” she said. “Organization is the only thing keeping me sane right now.”
While each student has their own method of preparing, the underlying emotion is the same: exam week is intense. Teachers are finishing up lessons and offering review materials, while students try to juggle multiple subjects, projects, and tests—often back-to-back. The pressure to perform well can feel overwhelming, especially for those balancing extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or college applications.
Despite the stress, many students at Steinbrenner are finding ways to support each other. Study groups, shared Google Docs, and group chats full of motivational messages have become lifelines during this high-pressure period. There’s a sense of unity, as everyone works toward a common goal—crossing the finish line of the school year with success.
Ultimately, exam week at Steinbrenner High School is more than just a series of tests; it’s a test of endurance, resilience, and time management. And for students like Addison, Chloe, and Nevaeh, it’s a time to push themselves, stay focused, and remember that all the hard work will pay off.
As the countdown to summer begins, one thing is certain: the Warriors are facing exam week head-on—with preparation, grit, and the support of one another.
