A year ago I remember sitting the HSC exams (time really flies) and being absolutely petrified. I had all my essays spread out, had rote learned most of them and felt nowhere near ready. English was my worst subject in terms of rankings and it counted whether or not I liked it. It was more a test of endurance to me than regurgitating a bunch of literary bullshit. I had a million questions going through my head...what if my essay in no way relates to the question? What if they specify the fucking dean speech? What if I don't finish in time? What if my wrist dislocates? What If two related texts or one? Has 13 years of schooling really come to this?
Nonetheless I called it an early night and went to school early the next morning.
First thing I saw was a bunch of people huddled around the entry of the exam hall fiddling with their notes, reading their essays and trying to take in God knows what at the very last minute. If I have learned anything during my schooling life, it is best to SEPARATE YOURSELVES FROM THESE PEOPLE. The last thing you need before an exam, is people about to shit themselves asking you if you have studied "this and this", "how fucked are you?" or snaking you last minute. Just smile and wave.
In the exam hall I was quite calm, just close your eyes and don't look around. Tell yourself you've got this, you're going to fight and come out as a winner. Everyone is a winner, if you have truly sat through the HSC exams after doing your best.
After your exam it is best not to dread on what has happened, because the truth is you can't change it. Shit happens, so channel your energy into focusing on the next exam and doing better in it. Always come out of the exam hall smiling.
The feeling after you finish your last HSC exam is bliss.