The first time I took the ninth-grade proficiency test was in March of
eighth grade. The test ultimately determines whether students may
receive a high school diploma. After months of preparation and anxiety,
the pressure was on. Throughout my elementary and middle school
years, I was a strong student, always on the honor roll. I never had a
GPA below 3.0. I was smart, and I knew it. That is, until I got the results
of the proficiency test.