Freshman Faces First Exam Challenges at Hopkins University
On October 20, 2025, Catherine Chan, a freshman at Johns Hopkins University, experienced the pressure of her first college exam: Organic Chemistry. As the exams were distributed across the lecture hall, she grappled with intense pre-exam nerves, feeling both excitement and anxiety. Chan’s reflections on this moment highlight the complex relationship many students have with academic stress and self-doubt.
Embracing the Academic Journey
For Chan, the transition to college life has been a whirlwind of emotions. She described feeling surreal about attending such a prestigious institution, recalling how she had spent countless hours drafting essays and completing applications. Now, faced with the reality of rigorous coursework, she finds herself reflecting on her journey and the dreams she once had.
Despite the initial excitement of starting classes, the pressure of midterms quickly dampened her enthusiasm for learning. Chan noted that while she enjoyed the process of taking notes at the beginning of the semester, the looming exams made her prefer staying in bed and binge-watching television shows instead. This shift in attitude is common among students as they confront the challenges of higher education.
Navigating Doubt and Pressure
Organic Chemistry is notorious for its difficulty, and as Chan prepared for her first exam, she found herself wrestling with self-doubt. Thoughts raced through her mind: “Did I do enough practice problems?” and “What if I forgot crucial material?” Despite her efforts to maintain a positive mindset, the pressure of academic performance weighed heavily on her.
“Exams can accurately reflect some learning to a degree,” Chan acknowledged, recognizing that while grades matter, they do not define her worth as a student.
Chan expressed that motivational phrases about overcoming doubt often feel overused. Instead of dismissing her anxiety, she chooses to acknowledge its presence. “I aim to live in harmony with them,” she stated, opting for a mindset of “trusting the process” and “accepting ambiguity.” This approach has provided her with a sense of peace amid the chaos of exam preparations.
As she reflected on her experience, Chan understood that her journey was just beginning. With four years ahead filled with various exams, she is committed to navigating her relationship with pre-exam anxiety and learning to find balance in her academic pursuits.
Catherine Chan, originally from Potomac, Md., is pursuing a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Johns Hopkins University. She also serves as a Social Media Manager for The News-Letter, illustrating her engagement with campus life and her commitment to sharing student experiences.
