11:37 PM. Scribbling on science report. Due tomorrow. Stomach hurts. Tired eyes, open iPad. See 5 missing homeworks. Melancholic snivels emit from a feebly-lit workspace as warm tears cascade to the cold hardwood floor.
Students like this suffer burnout. Fourth quarter finality causes weeds of stress to sprout in students’ minds. Fourth quarter’s finality is a leading stress factor for the majority of students, while some take time to relax, others spend their time wallowing in academic stress due to increasing tests and cut deadlines. Thus, time rushes waiting for final grades after endless assessments.
Like the student rushing their science report last minute, many students at ‘Iolani are stressed about final quarter workload and deadlines. Students from 7th-12th grade were interviewed separately on their stress during quarter four. Rohan S. ’30 claimed there were more tests in quarter four, which could stress students with downpours of homework and test deadlines. The pressure only ramps up for high schoolers. Kylie L. ’28 believes quarter four is difficult to withstand, allegedly due to teachers “cramming grades,” which causes larger student workloads. Liam H. ’28 believes quarter four moves faster than others, which causes students to overload work schedules. However stressed students are, the fleeting feeling of the quarter, combined with copious tests and deadlines are shown to be a leading stress factor.
Yet some students aren’t as apprehensive. Kai L. ’29 believes quarter four is easier than other quarters. Kai stated he “adjusted to academic expectations.” Jordyn I. ’29 stated quarter four was easier than others, although finals are a looming stress for her. However, for Broderick N. ’25, a senioritis-ridden scholar, it is time for reflection on his work at ‘Iolani. Broderick said, “I am looking at my missed homework with a wistful eye,” he shared his techniques for surviving in the final quarter: “coasting and doing the bare minimum.” However, all students agree the dawning summer sun is a shimmering hope waiting at the end.
Through bustling student life, ‘Iolani staff believes quarter four shouldn’t be anxiety’s catalyst. Ms. Lori Yoneda ‘94 said plagiarism increases throughout the end of quarters: “students tend to have a little bit more academic dishonesty due to deadlines.” Ms. Yoneda also understands the finality: “in the fourth quarter, this is your last chance.” Mr. Andrew Higa ‘23 additionally believes students stress due to final grades for the same reasons above. Yet Mr. Higa does believe students are motivated in quarter four, not disheartened, because they want to finish the year. No matter their opinions on fourth quarter, both staff members agreed students should stop putting unnecessary pressure on themselves, and letter grades don’t matter compared to actual learning.
Despite variations of student stress, this year’s final schoolday remains looming ahead of days counting down like seconds on the clock. However you cross that line, that’s the first and last way you’ll end that grade level, and whatever scores you receive, life will move on, it’s better to move forward.
