Disappointments, do you know what they are? They are expectations that are not met, and so, because you didn’t meet your expectations or reach your goal, you may feel a bit sad, demotivated, dejected or even upset. However, I want you to know, your world is not coming to an end. Disappointments are a part of life and sometimes they are not always a bad thing.

You may not have been placed at the school of your choice because of several factors which may include: where you live or your grades. Try to think about the positives in the situation. It’s hard, but you can do it!

Steps to overcoming disappointment:

• Let your feelings out- cry it out if you have to. Release all the sad energy you are experiencing from being disappointment.

• Be grateful- things could have been worse. Look on the bright side; you have the opportunity to attend high school and to become someone great. Not everyone has the opportunity to do that. Be thankful and try to focus on the good things in your life.

• Reflect- what could you have done differently to achieve a different result? Accept your results and focus on moving ahead and trying to do things differently the next time around. For example: studying more in high school or attending extra lessons.

Think beyond:

• Sometimes, the school you wanted to attend was not where you were destined to be. Hard pill to swallow right? I know. Think about it, maybe if you had gone to a certain school, you would have come across some sticky situations. See? You dodged a bullet. You’re a lucky one!

• Exams do not determine your intelligence. Being placed at an institution that is non-traditional or labelled as a “low school” because of your grades, does not mean that you are the dull crayon in the box. Exam jitters do exist. You may have been nervous or sick while sitting your exams. This does not mean that you are not smart. Embrace your new school. Go there and make a difference. The school does not make a person.

• If it bothers you so much, express to your parents how you feel. Ask them to consider getting you a transfer to a different school or the school of your choice.