Lessons for my 16-year-old self
Imagine your five year high school career all comes down to a handful of subjects, hours in a room spent poring over some sheets of paper, and then ultimately some roman numerals. Being 16 can be tough.
Between scholarly demands, worries about the future, new and budding responsibilities, peer pressure and relationships there’s a whole lot going on in a 16-year-old’s life and in his/her mind. So here’s our advice, or lessons for our 16-year-old selves.
First, relax.
Sure, CSEC is important but it is not the sole deciding factor of your fate. Don’t buy into the lie that it’s some sort of be all and end all type of thing. Life goes on and the world still turns if you get a grade two. And even if you fail an exam you may be down but whether or not you’re out for the count is entirely up to you. If you’re at all stressed over whether or not you’ll make a straight ‘A’ profile you should know that after the initial congratulations and bout of bragging it’s not likely to be of great consequence. That is to say that when you get a job or get into university no one at work or school is going to sit around gossiping about who got a straight ‘A’ profile or who got a “measly” grade three.
That said, try for those ones, because it helps with scholarships and awards in the meantime. But failure doesn’t mean you are stupid or any less than anyone else, it means that at the very least you’ve tried. A wise television character (Hannah Montana) once said, “Life’s what you make it, so let’s make it rock.” If you are determined to succeed no grade two or even (believe it or not) grade four can stop you.
CSEC stress aside, you might be worried about getting into a tertiary programme or getting into sixth form. Our advice is that you simply put in the work to meet the requirements and that you let go when it’s time to let go. Apply to as many schools or programmes as you are able to and or have an interest. This will increase your chances of getting in somewhere, if not at your dream school, but try not to tear your hair out all summer mulling over maddening what ifs.
Maybe you’re not exactly sure what you should do now that fifth form is over and done with. Firstly, you should know that you’re not alone, and secondly don’t be afraid to reach out to older students in institutions and programmes you’re interested in being a part of. Conduct thorough research, talk it through with someone who’s a good sounding board for ideas and then be guided by what you believe is right for you.
With all these changes going on in your life be certain to take a moment or two to breathe and appreciate everyone and everything around you. As chaotic as this time may feel, most adults swear these are some of the best years of our lives. You’ll have to accept that. But wouldn’t you rather enjoy them while you have them than grow old and regret letting the time slip away in a major cloud of anxiety? Believe in yourself and the work you’ve put in and allow yourself to have a relaxing summer ’16.