Elements of Stress: Conquering The Chemistry Crossgrade

14 March 2025Sera K, Hope, ‘25

Moles, reactions and panic are the three elements found in chemistry class. The tension in the air is palpable. All of Ms Carroll’s lessons in chemistry have led students to the day they have been dreading most: the cross-grade. Papers are strewn about as students try to understand last-minute shreds of information. Questions fly all over the classroom loose and panicked. The buzz of anticipation and dread in the air is that of soldiers off to war, like gladiators in the Roman Colosseum with ionic lions about to be set loose. Some students even pray to Avogadro, asking him to guide their way and bless their pencils.

There are two types of students in the classroom today are acids and noble gases. The noble gases are the stable, reliable students, who stick to themselves and wait for the test to begin. They are calm and ready to go with their unmatched intelligence and cool confidence. On the opposite side of the scale, the students filled with anxiety are the acids. They have a strong presence in the classroom and are prone to spontaneous breakdowns.

When asked how she felt before the test, are student shared that she felt “scared” and “unprepared despite all the studying I did” Ava S, Alex ‘25. Another had a similar experience, saying she felt “really nervous” and “not prepared enough” Mina L, Alex ‘25, Chem 12. A noblish Asha A, Alex ‘25 reported “Even though I was worried before, I felt really confident once I saw the test and I think I did really well. ”

Soon, the dreaded words rang out, announcing the commencement of the test. It spread across the classroom like the black plague – chilling those who had neglected to study to the bone. The papers reach desks one by one, and students are quick to dive in and exothermically expel all the knowledge they’d packed into their brains. Once the students allowed their anxiety to settle like a precipitate, they discovered the extent of their knowledge. We were well prepared for the exam in front of us, and were in our element calculating pH and discovering the concentration of different molecules.

Eventually, the class reached the light at the end of the tunnel. The test had finished and we were now free of the mass that had been holding us down. Students reported feeling “So relieved it’s over” and “Grateful it’s finally done”.

Although there is much relief from the completion of the cross grade, some students reported still feeling some nervous energy. One student claims that it “Won’t truly be over until I see my grade” Tighe K, Privett ‘25.

For now, students allow themselves to relax and forget about the test until after Spring Break.

A balanced equation!

Sera K, Hope, ‘25

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