Dear freshmen,

 As we near the beginning of December, it’s likely that you guys have heard some rumors about the infamous, the terrifying, the daunting … EXAM WEEK.

 We’re here to tell you that, as a matter of fact, exam week is our favorite time of the school year. We know, we know, you’re probably laughing at us and wondering, “But how can that be possible?” Just hear us out for a hot second.

 First off, exam week is formatted so you have either one or two exams each day. When you finish your exams, you’re left to your own devices. In fact, for days on which you have just one exam, you’re done at 10:30. You get to spend the rest of your day with friends getting lunch, studying together or preparing for an athletics practice in the afternoon.

 Each teacher holds a review session the day before your exam, too, so that you can feel adequately prepared; that’s pretty nice. And, if you would rather study on your own, you’re completely free to do so. YOU are the captain of your own ship during exam week, my friend. If that’s not luxury, then we’re not sure what is.

 You’ll also come to find that you develop an intense sense of accomplishment when you hear the proctor yell, “Time’s up!” at the end of those grueling two hours. As you lay your pencil down and collect your belongings before strutting out of the NAC, you get to hold your head high because you did it. No matter how bad the hand cramping was, no matter how much your brain hurts, no matter how long the fall trimester felt, YOU did it. That’s certainly something to be proud of.

 And to finish it all off, our favorite part of exam week might come as a surprise to you: the exam itself. As all 140 of you step foot in the exam room for the first time, you’ll find there is a strange sense of community in the testing room. Whether that community comes in the form of exchanging concerned looks with your friends, laughing at a comically-difficult question with your table partner or simply taking on a thrilling debrief as you ascend those NAC doors, the exam room forms an unlikely bond within the student body because we are all embracing the academic weaponry together.

 So, as those rumors of “exam scaries” accumulate throughout the rest of the trimester, we want to let you know that it will all be okay. Seriously. Just make sure you find that strategic balance of maintaining your mental health while embracing the studious facade, and you’ll have the exams trembling in their boots.

 Warmly,

 The Vanguard upperclassmen