As an undergraduate student, Ramon clearly saw the impacts of test anxiety on his peers, and tried to support his friends by keeping positive and taking part in study groups. However, the negative effects of test anxiety became more apparent when he became a TA and research assistant for Dr. Sheritta Fagbodun. As a TA, Ramon witnessed firsthand how some people could be excellent students, but poor test-takers, and how managing test anxiety is important to help these students not be held back from reaching their full potential.

This past summer, Ramon has been working with Dr. Fagbodun coding data from a recent survey asking students from different colleges about their own experience with test anxiety and anxiety coping techniques. While the majority of students reported experiencing test anxiety, most also had coping strategies like studying or meditation to help manage their anxiety. Ramon explains that future studies will look at the effectiveness of these different techniques and what possible interventions could be most beneficial for students. Personally, Ramon helps his students with test anxiety by giving out fun stickers and writing encouraging notes to students on their assignments. He makes himself available for students and tries to be uplifting and supportive.

This fall, Ramon will attend Purdue University’s Veterinary school. Ramon hopes to one day work in a lab-animal management position and to help work towards finding a cure for cancer as part of the One-Health Initiative, which aims to practice medicine to the benefit of both humans and animals. Even with all of these big goals, Ramon can also see himself one day returning to teaching. Thank you Ramon for your amazing work with EDU-STEM and we look forward to seeing your achievements in the future!