For most seniors, Finals Week means locking themselves indoors, studying late into the night, and an endless amount of review, all while counting down the days until graduation. Alongside stacks of flashcards and study guides, many students have developed their own personal traditions to make it through the final push of high school tests and presentations.
Senior Zoe Ortega’s routine begins with prayer. Before every final, Ortega takes a few moments to pray, by herself or alongside friends, a practice that has become reliable for her before exams.
“It’s just something for reassurance,” Ortega said. She mentioned that she began the routine during her junior year after realizing how she felt much more prepared mentally.
Senior Donovan Isaac puts his trust in a mechanical pencil. Isaac prefers writing with a 0.3mm mechanical pencil because the small, thin lead makes his writing more precise. Although he rotates through different pencils once he runs out of lead, he always uses the same type of pencil on his exams.
Isaac used to use regular wooden pencils, but he eventually found that they never felt quite right in his hand. Now, when he shows up to take his tests, his mechanical pencil is ready to go in his right hand, providing comfort in stressful moments. “It doesn’t feel correct to write without a mechanical pencil,” Isaac said.
Senior Nathaly Flores’ tradition consists of an upbeat, motivational pop music playlist. Whenever assignments begin to pile up, Flores turns on her playlist full of loud, empowering music. “This playlist has become my go-to during finals because it shifts my mindset and helps me stay productive. It helps me lock in and focus on my assignments,” Flores said.
Besides music playlists, Flores also spends time with friends and family before finals. Taking breaks and being surrounded by friends helps her remain balanced and feel less overwhelmed.
