Final Lap of the Race

Louise Kim

Throughout the month of May, many students at Dalat were involved in big, end-of-the-year events, from AP exams to the Fine Arts Festival. Alongside the major events, students were faced with final tests and projects in classes. As an overwhelming time for both student and teachers, all stood at the decision to give up or persevere through their final lap of the race.

For the last two weeks, students taking AP courses went through dreaded days of studying and cramming. Resisting surrounding temptations, most students worked their hardest to pay for their yearlong hard work. When asked how she felt before taking her exam, Rosie Shin (12) said, “I feel ready for the exam.”

Some students like her, who worked hard and strongly persevered, reaped positive results, while some went half-prepared, worried but trusting their memory.

AP exams began on a Monday morning, the 7th of May, with AP Chemistry and AP Psychology. Although first to be tested, students taking an exam that day had the advantage of finishing first and tasting the freedom earned after hard work. After her AP psychology exam, Yi Lin (12) said in relief, “It was stressful, but once I was done, I was relieved and felt that all my hard work had paid off.”

Students who took AP courses put a lot of work and effort into their learning throughout the year and were tested with a comprehensive exam based on the subject from the start to the end of the year. AP exams are not only difficult but also require a great deal of work and motivation for students during the end of the year, which is always busy and exhausting.

Leaving a few days until graduation, seniors, too, ran hard, whether it was AP or Fine Arts, and relaxed, treasuring the few moments left at Dalat. Unlike the grades below them, seniors were not required to take final exams if they had a letter grade of an “A” in the class. Now that their race at Dalat has basically finished, they have a short amount of freedom and rest until a new race begins in a new environment.

I wish all the best for my classmates and pray that we will end strong and proud. Blessings.