The Final Countdown to Exams
The excitement from the debate and speech competition had barely settled when another major announcement shook the academy.
At 8:00 AM, after morning prayers, Sister Alex stood in front of the gathered students in the church hall and made the much-awaited announcement.
Sister Alex: "Dear students, I hope you all enjoyed the recent competition and learned valuable lessons from it. But now, it is time to shift your focus. The exam schedule has been finalized. Exams will begin on 15th May and conclude on 27th May 2024."
A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd. Some students were nodding in confidence, while others looked completely pale and nervous.
Sister Alex: "Regular classes will be suspended starting next week to allow time for self-study and revisions. Use this time wisely. May God guide you all in your preparations."
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Reactions to the Exam Announcement
Maria and her group—Catherine, Emily, and Kate—were completely relaxed. They had been studying consistently, balancing their competition preparations with academics.
Emily: (smirking) "It's funny to see everyone panicking now. We knew this was coming and prepared in advance."
Kate: (laughing) "Some students spent too much time discussing the competition results instead of studying. Now they're regretting it!"
On the other side of the hall, the tension was evident. Sophie, Evelyn, and Rachel, three students from the second year, were in a state of pure panic.
Sophie: (worried) "How are we supposed to prepare for all subjects in just one month?"
Evelyn: (almost in tears) "I don't even remember half of what we studied last term!"
Rachel: (sighing) "We wasted too much time on other things. Now, we'll have to study day and night!"
Catherine, overhearing their conversation, shook her head with a knowing smile.
Catherine: (whispering to Maria) "Some people only realize the importance of time when it's too late."
Maria nodded, but she also understood the pressure these students were feeling.
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Study Sessions Begin
With regular classes suspended, the academy had transformed into a place of intense focus.
Maria's group had a strict study plan in place. They studied together every evening, revising different subjects and testing each other's knowledge.
One evening, the four of them gathered in Catherine's room, surrounded by books, notebooks, and flashcards.
Emily: (stretching her arms) "Okay, let's take a break for five minutes before we start the next subject."
Catherine, feeling playful, picked up Maria's debate trophy from the table. She held it high in the air as if making an announcement.
Catherine: (dramatically) "And the award for the most hardworking student goes to… Maria, the Queen of Debating!"
Everyone laughed, but Maria simply rolled her eyes with a smile.
Maria: (teasingly) "Thank you, Catherine, but now kindly put it back where you found it."
The girls burst into laughter, appreciating this light-hearted moment in the middle of their serious study session.
Kate shook her head, grinning.
Kate: "Catherine, if you ever get bored of studying, you should consider acting. You'd be great at it!"
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On the Other Side – Panic Mode
Meanwhile, in the dormitory across the hall, Sophie, Evelyn, and Rachel were struggling to focus.
Sophie: (frustrated) "No matter how much I try, I just can't concentrate!"
Evelyn: (holding her head) "My brain feels overloaded. I don't know where to start."
Rachel, feeling desperate, suggested something unexpected.
Rachel: "Should we ask Maria's group if we can join their study sessions?"
Sophie and Evelyn exchanged looks. They knew Maria and her friends were always well-prepared.
Sophie: (hesitant) "Do you think they'd let us? I mean, we never really studied with them before."
Evelyn: "Well, we won't know unless we ask. Let's go."
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An Unexpected Invitation
The three girls knocked on Catherine's door.
Maria opened it, surprised to see them standing there.
Maria: (raising an eyebrow) "Oh? What brings you here?"
Sophie: (nervously) "Umm… We were wondering if we could… join your study sessions?"
Catherine, Kate, and Emily exchanged surprised glances.
Evelyn: (hurriedly adding) "We know we should have started studying earlier, but we really need help."
Maria smiled, understanding their situation.
Maria: "Of course. But just so you know, we study seriously. No distractions."
Rachel: (relieved) "That's exactly what we need."
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Study Sessions Grow Bigger
From that day onward, Maria's study group grew. Now, instead of just four, they were seven students studying together.
With Maria leading the revisions, everyone found it easier to understand concepts, discuss difficult topics, and stay motivated.
Even Sophie, Evelyn, and Rachel, who had been panicking, started feeling more confident.
Sophie: (grinning after answering a practice question correctly) "Wow! I can't believe I got that right. Studying in a group really helps!"
Maria: (smiling) "See? All it takes is dedication and the right mindset."
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Final Days Before Exams
As the exam dates approached, the pressure increased, but Maria's group was prepared.
On the last evening before exams, they gathered one last time.
Emily: (stretching) "Well, ladies, this is it. Tomorrow, the battle begins."
Kate: (jokingly) "Let's hope we survive!"
Maria: (smiling but serious) "We've put in the effort. Now, let's trust ourselves and do our best."
Catherine held up her notebook.
Catherine: "To success!"
Everyone laughed and joined in.
All Together: "To success!"
As they packed up their books and headed to bed, there was a sense of confidence in the air. They had prepared well. Now, it was time to prove it.