Hello, my name is Bella. I want to tell you a story of my 3rd grade. It's about being scared and being brave.

I always loved school. I was good at math, reading, and writing. I felt confident every day.

But in 3rd grade, everything changed. My teacher, Mrs. Hope, mentioned: "State Assessment Exams."

I had never heard of that before. I said on my head.

 Mrs. Hope, what is a State Assessment Exam? Why do I need it?

It's a special test; It's different from our tests in class.

I raised my hand.

My heart sank. Leave my classroom? Another teacher? That terrified me.

You'll take it in another classroom with another teacher.

Don't be scared, Bella. I will help you. You won't be alone.

Mrs. Hope Helps Me

Mrs. Hope saw my fear. She sat beside me.

Those words changed everything.

During the whole year, Mrs. Hope taught us:

Breathing techniques,

Test-taking strategies, and

How to manage anxiety.

I felt more confident. 

I felt prepared.

As the state test day got closer, I was still nervous. But I knew Mrs. Hope believed in me.