Math Exam

Written by, Christie Chan

“Another morning of dumb math…” Rachel mumbled.

Rachel always hated math. She wouldn’t get the grades she was always hoping for. Rachel often thought that there wasn’t a point of even going to school. Nothing in math a=made nay sense to her.

She walked in the classroom and took a seat and started to talk with her best friend Sam.

“Aren’t you scared for the math exam?” asked Sam.

Rachel’s mouth dropped open wide.

“What math exam? There’s and exam?” Rachel questioned nervously.

“Yeah! It’s today. The teacher reminded us every day this week!” Same rolled her eyes as if today’s even was like any other.

“I didn’t even study!” Rachel cried. Rachel knew that if she failed one more assignment, she would have to repeat the same class the next year. She panicked, turning to Sam nervously. “What am I going to do?”

“I don’t know. But good luck. I better get to my seat before the bell rings,” Sam hurried back to her desk.

Maybe I’ll study right now, Rachel thought as she took out her book.

“Ok everyone!” shouted the teacher, Ms. Gillee. “Put everything away and take out your pencils. It is time for the exam.”

“Shoot,” Rachel muttered.

“I’m totally ready for the exam, Ms. Gillee. I studied!” Marie bragged. Marie was always the smartest in the class. She was one of the biggest snobs Rachel had ever met. Rachel never really liked her.

“Deep breaths,” Rachel reassured herself as she shakily reached out for a pencil. “I’ll do ok… don’t worry about it.” But as she thought those words, Rachel knew she was lying to herself. She received the test and wanted to throw it out the window.

“Ready? Begin!” Ms. Gillee announced, watching her students slip over their test.

Rachel did not know what to do. She took a glance at what seemed to be a mountain of stapled papers. It looked like everything was written in a different language. She just sat at her desk nervously, glancing around the room until she finally picked up her pencil. Rachel even forgot how to spell her name. Her pencil was tapping on the table and her feet were jumping up and down in fast motion.

“Sssshhhh!” Marie shushed. “I’m trying to concentrate here!”

“I’m sorry!” Rachel whispered. “I need help!”

“We’re not supposed to talk during a test. So stop bothering me,” Marie demanded.

“But I-”

“I said stop!” Marie interrupted.

“Fine,” Rachel mumbled.

Time was ticking. There were only twenty minutes left of class. A drop of sweat trickled down Rachel’s cheeks. Rachel was so nervous. She looked around the room watching everyone doing their work. It seemed to them like it was so easy.

Maybe I should try a problem, Rachel thought. She looked at the first equation. Hey, this isn’t so bad…

She was so relieved. Rachel started to do the exam. She ran through it like she was just reading a book.

“RING!” the bell rang.

“Done,” cried Rachel. “Just in time!”

“Everyone, turn in your test in the basket on your way out the door,” ordered the teacher.

Rachel turned in the test and walked out the door with confidence and a smile on her face. She walked into her science class and couldn’t be happier.

“Everyone, take out a pencil for today’s science test,” announced Mr. Riggs.

Rachel stopped smiling and exploded.

“What?”