Infer Emotional State in Exam Preparation

In the excerpt below, a student recounts her experience preparing for a crucial exam:

"As the days turned into weeks leading up to the exam, I found myself surrounded by stacks of textbooks, notes filled with scribbles, and a feeling of anxiety that seemed to grow heavier with each passing day. Each evening, I would pour over my notes, attempting to memorize important concepts while my mind raced with thoughts about the potential outcomes. My well-meaning friends would try to reassure me that ‘everything would be fine,’ yet their words often felt insufficient against the looming pressure I faced. The morning of the exam arrived, and despite my nerves, there was a flicker of hope that all my hard work might pay off."

Based on this passage, what can be inferred about the student's emotional state during her exam preparation?