When a group of people believe in something it often comes down to superstitions and conspiracy theories. The question is, how do conspiracy theories come to be? Unlike criminal charges against an individual, conspiracy theories do not need any hard evidence on the idea. Some theories go in depth and have a lot of background evidence supporting the claim, which then makes the story more believable.

A famous conspiracy theory or superstition that a lot of students at Alliance High School, and across the country, have believed for a long time is that the best way to remember the things you studied on the test, is by simply chewing the same kind of gum while you study, and while you take a test. This theory, could come in handy to students from even first grade to college; it could especially come in handy to those who are about to take on a big test, such as the ACT. Now, wouldn’t it be stress relieving to know that maybe if I study for this test, and chew the same kind of gum while taking the test, than I will certainly pass and more than pass, but ace the test. The problem with the ACT test is that there is no way you could possibly study the exact questions that could be asked when it comes time to take it.

I took a look online and saw what some people had to say about some superstitions they had before taking a test, some included the famous saying “knock on wood” by simply just knocking on wood before you take the test you studied for. Other superstitions included “the sweet study dreams” this works by just simply sleeping with a book or notes under your pillow, hoping the information would diffuse into your brain while you are a sleep. Crazy, I know. Last, but one of hundreds, is “the chosen pencil” some people have a specific pencil that they use the night before taking a test, and use the same one while taking the test. This then gives them some type of luck.

With theories and superstitions comes superstitions about sports. I asked my classmates if they had any superstitions about anything, and what they came up with, was mainly about a sport they play or what they do before a game or a practice. Thalia Gonzalez, stated that she has a lucky pair of socks that she always wears to most softball practices, because she feels it makes her do way better. Khloe Felker also added that she tends to do a double knot when tying her shoes before she steps out on the court before every game.

Maybe these theories or superstitions are not just make believe. Or maybe your mind is just tricking you into thinking that without doing this, than you will fail. Maybe the hundreds of superstitions that people have should be something that everyone should try. You never know if you’ll succeed unless you try it.