![Run Like The Wind! Maddox Murry (8th) runs at a cross country meet on September 25. He ran his hardest, and just locked in, just like at every meet. “My brain just stops and my body just operates itself and somehow navigates [itself] like autopilot,” Murry said.](https://mmsrewind.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-26-11.35.51-AM.png)
“There’s a test?!” 8th grader Lily Castillo frantically realized during her 1st period RLA class. Comparing her notes to others, studying as fast as she can, scratching pencils and bright lights around her, Castillo takes a deep breath and clicks “Begin”.
Students of all types experience nerves when it comes to test-taking. Everyone takes tests, and although some of us are lucky enough not to, 72% of children in America experience test anxiety.
“I study directly before a test,” Castillo said. “I also feel like confidence is key to success when it comes to test taking,” Castillo said.
Seeing “Smart Kids” take notes or do things she isn’t doing makes her feel like she’s doing something wrong. But, there are always coping strategies. Although test anxiety is a struggle for all, there’s help and strategy everywhere. “Believe in yourself, and it’ll be fine,” Castillo said.
