Test anxiety avoidable, counselor says

By Jayleen Watson/reporter

Most students experience anxiety at some point during their college career, a TR counselor told students recently.

“I was one of them,” Jeronimo Aviles said.

During Calming Test Anxiety, a lunch workshop sponsored by TR’s counseling center, Aviles discussed several causes of anxiety and methods for coping.

“Studying is important,” he said. “Oftentimes, we have the skills. But when it comes to testing, we disengage.”

Such anxiety can have physical effects.

“This can lead to physical symptoms like upset stomach, sweaty palms, difficulty concentrating and trouble recalling information.”

TR student Ana Calzada believes the methods given for controlling anxiety were practical and useful.

“I really liked what he told us — relax, stay calm, breathe. Just don’t overthink it,” she said. “I will definitely apply these things in the future.”

Aviles said controlling anxiety during testing is as much about preparation and perspective as it is about dealing with physical symptoms.

”Academic performance is usually equal to the amount of study,” he said. “But many of us have failed a test or even a course and recovered. It’s about the big picture. Your future doesn’t depend on one exam. There will be more exams and more courses.”

Anxiety can sometimes be narrowed to a certain subject or course, Aviles said.

TR business management student Jayson Wallace agreed.

“It depends on the course for me,” he said. “Most of it is triggered by procrastination or poor time management. This workshop is good for me because any tips are good tips. I started with no information about anxiety, so this is a plus.”

Additional tips Aviles shared included reminding oneself of past successes, not letting a test be definitive, not using the word “test” and visualizing oneself completing the test successfully.

“Visualization is all about strategy,” he said. “Think about professional athletes. This is a part of how they get ready for the big game. They are able to visualize themselves doing well.”

Aviles also pointed out that fear and anxiety can be irrational.

“If you recognize that you are being irrational, you can change it,” he said.

Several students agreed that the information was beneficial.

“I wish I had this information yesterday when I took my math test,” TR student Lorraine Hutson said.

Hutson, who returned to school after a 35-year break, believes the workshop has helped her target her self-talk.

“I actually told myself that if I failed that test, I was going to quit school,” she said. “I was very discouraged, but this workshop has helped to change my perspective.”