Emotion: nervousness
Problem: academic pressure
Situation: About to take a licensure exam for my field. I get 1 try a year to pass at a 90% rate. I deal with a lot of test anxiety and the current COVID-19 crisis has amplified my worries. How can I put myself at ease in the testing center and ace this exam?

assistant: Hello I am here to help you, what's your problem?

user: I have a licensure exam coming up that I must pass at a 90% score. I have dealt with test anxiety all my life (mind goes blank, difficulty concentrating with noise) and I have to take my exam in a testing center around other people next week. I am extra worried due to COVID. This is a 6 hour exam - what are ways I can calm myself at the exam and succeed?

assistant: First of all, you can bring some snacks and water. having an empty stomach will distract you from the exam

user: If you were about to take the most important test of your life (ha!) what would you suggest I do to organize my review the days before the exam? Do you have any study suggestions that have worked for you?

assistant: I have been in that situation many times. From my own experience, yes you should review as much as you can. However, relax the last 2-3 days to not overwhelm yourself. You should also do image training, imagine yourself in the test room, plan ahead what you will do like write your name, open the exam booklet...

user: You give good advice, how have you grown into a calm, cool person? :) What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to this level of chill?

assistant: It takes alot to grow into that kind of person, I'm not there yet. I find it vital to understand this, you cannot control everything. As long as you try your best, whatever the outcomes are, they all serve a purpose. When one door closes, the others will open

user: That is really helpful advice. I think part of my problem is that I still think I can control every detail and need to learn to let things happen once the ball is in motion. For an exam, I want to do so well because so much is riding on it and that freezes me into trying to control for all outcomes... when really, I can only control myself.

assistant: You are right, I also want to be in control of my life. However, as I grow older, I realize that is impossible. Whenever you feel stressed over life issues, I would recommend taking a walk in the park or anywhere with a lot of trees to clear you mind

user: I will definitely arrive early to the test center and walk the campus before going in. Get enough to eat beforehand and bring my snacks so I can focus just on the exam. I'm writing all of this down so I don't forget. It is a shame we can't save the chat. Thank you for being my peer-supporter, today. You have been a huge help!

assistant: sounds like a great plan, i believe you will do well Is there anything I can help you with?

user: Do you have any ideas on what I should about sanitizing my workstation at the exam center? I will be around other people and someone will have used my computer before me. I don't think they are cleaning the stations before the next user.

assistant: Buy some alcohol wipe, you can find it at the grocery store, make sure to come in early enough to do that

user: Alright. I think the proctors will allow it as long as I don't have a bulky bag with me. Maybe some I can just slip into my pocket. Anything too fussy might be cause for them thinking I am bringing answers in with me. I don't have much else to ask about, these were my main concerns.

assistant: I believe they sell individual packs of 10 wipes too.Good lick with your exam!~

user: Thanks to your help, I believe I will do well next week. :) Maybe you should be a counselor, if you aren't already. :)