By Daniele Lois Fuentes | December 6, 2023
Getting through the overwhelming feeling of taking the board exam is one feat, but handling the emotions while waiting for the results is a different ballgame.
Joshua Tuale, a graduate from the Silliman University College of Nursing (SUCN), took the Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination last November 11 and 12 in Cebu City and notes that “post-board exam anxiety is very real.” The anticipation leading to the results brings with it a wave of uncertainty and self-doubt and board exam takers find themselves caught in a whirlwind of emotions, swinging between hope and fear.
During these moments, the mind becomes the greatest enemy as it turns into a battleground where self-doubt clashes with moments of confidence, no matter how much preparation is done. “It’s hard for me to sleep actually because every morning I’d wake up and prepare myself [if] the results are out”, Tuale says.
Gia de La Torre, also a graduate from SUCN, says she tries to distract herself as much as she can and mentions the challenges that come with it. “This season of waiting has somehow immobilized me from doing anything productive. I seem to have an issue thinking well, doing productive and long-term tasks, and looking further into the future – unless I have the results of the boards’ ‘ she adds.
Different people deal with their emotions differently, for Yannah Hamac, a graduate from SU College of Engineering and Design (CED) who took the board exam last November 17 and 18, says praying was the best way to deal with the anxiety that came with waiting “Whenever I think of the release of the results, I pray to ease my anxiety. Although I was losing confidence, I never lost hope” she adds.
The unknown is a scary yet exciting concept. Taking one of the most important examinations for these takers carries a load of pressure from family, society, and peers. The fear of failing, disappointment, and judgment creates an environment where passing the examination is not just an achievement but a validation of self-worth.
Family members, educators, and peers also play a significant role for these aspiring practitioners. As we acknowledge the silent struggles of post-board exam anxiety, it’s important to create a strong support system to help ease their burden and help reshape the narrative surrounding success and failure.
Editor’s note: This post is part of the Weekly Sillimanian and the College of Mass Communication collaboration. Students taking COM 33 – News Editing and Production under Asst. Prof. Irma Pal temporarily take over the operations for a week or one issue as their final requirement.
