Assessment

Write about a time you yourself were assessed and it was a negative experience.  What made it negative? 
I think a good example of a time when i was assessed and it was a negative experience was taking my Praxis exams. Both I and II, I think I struggled with because of how much stress is attached to these exams. I have a really hard time with standardized testing, not because I don't know the material, but because from the minute I start I feel like I am failing. For me, testing has always been an uncomfortable experience, I have never felt prepared, and I detest the feeling that I am being judged solely based on answers A, B, C, and D. They teach you, from the time you are enrolled in school, to "just try your best" and that "there is always another way to look at the answer". Naturally, 2+2 will always equal four, but when you are asked to choose between 4 very plausible options, and it really could be 2 of the four, it's a frustrating feeling. 

Now think of a time you were assessed and it was a positive experience. What made it positive? 
One form of assessment I always see to be positive is physical endurance. I have always been athletic, and tested well physically. In this setting, I'm not stressed, I am excited! I love being part of a team and challenging myself to run faster and do better, and have that count for something. Exercise whether it's weight lifting or endurance has always been challenging for me, however I love the rewarding feeling of being 'that much faster', or that much stronger.