From the time I started school at G.R.B., I knew I would have to take the NYS Regents Exam. Well, this January, I took the NYS ELA Regents Exam for the first time.

I thought I was somewhat prepared. In class I took many notes and I practiced writing several essays. In addition, I worked hard in the after school club that meets every Monday and Wednesday for 1 ½ hours (2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.).

However, when I actually sat down to take the real test, I felt very frustrated. First, the amount of articles I had to read was overwhelming. I was confused and lost because of the vocabulary I did not know. I was not able to write at length about the topics.

So, after four hours, I thought I did good and anxiously awaited my grade. Unfortunately, although I did the best I could do at the time, I didn’t pass.

This has been a learning experience for me. On the bright side, I am now somewhat familiar with the exam and what awaits me in June. Now I know I must study even harder.

You never know what life may bring you. Wish me luck and as they say, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift.”