I remember the chemistry practical examination during my Plus Two final Board exams. I was sure that I had made mistakes in my salt analysis, and the fear of losing full marks overwhelmed me. After the examination, I was gripped by tension and apprehension and I decided to leave the campus without appearing for my zoology practical in the afternoon. Just as I was about to leave the school campus, one of my close friends noticed me. Understanding my anxiousness, he consoled me, and gave me the courage to face the zoology practical examination. If my friend had not given me the confidence, I would have gone home without writing the board practical exam.
It is quite natural to feel anxious and stressed while preparing for examinations. Sometimes, despite our hard work, unexpected challenges arise and students will lose their confidence. However, in such moments, there are always people who stand by us, offering their support and encouragement. The first thing that students should keep in mind while preparing for the examination is that you are not alone.
You may be the one writing the exam, but your journey of preparation is not a solitary one. Think about your father and mother who wake you up early in the morning, ensuring you stay focused at the study table. Your teachers who take extra classes to clarify your doubts, your friends who help you revise, and your loved ones who pray for your success. All these people are walking alongside you, believing in you.
So, as you step into your examinations, remember-you are not alone. Many are accompanying you on this journey. Face your exams with courage and confidence!
Once you start to focusing on your studies, you might face several challenges from different directions like, difficulty of understanding concepts, parental expectations, health issues, distractions from the social medias, lack of self-confidence and lack of time. These challenges are quite natural but they can be manged with right approach. In situations like this, stress, fear and pressure could surround you but you have to stay focussed on the task at hand- the preparation for the examination.
There is a beautiful story about a pregnant deer who is about to give birth in a remote forest and she finds herself trapped in a life-threatening situation. The poor deer faces a hunter’s arrow on one side, a hungry lion on the other, a raging forest fire behind and a fierce river ahead. She cannot escape but the deer makes a powerful choice to focus on giving birth. To the surprise of the deer, nature intervenes at that crucial moment. A sudden lightning blinds the hunter, causing his arrow to miss and strike the lion instead. The heavy rain suddenly pours down, extinguishing the forest fire. In this moment of uncertainty and chaos the deer safely gives birth to a baby deer.
You may encounter challenges from all directions, but stay focussed like the deer on task at hand. Instead of panicking or making hasty decisions, stay focused on your preparation and give your best effort. Sometimes, things beyond our control work in our favour at the right moment. Trust yourself, have faith and face the examinations with confidence and you will be capable of overcoming challenges and achieve success. One of my students, after scoring an impressive 90% marks in the Board examination told me, “Father, my success was not a result of sheer intelligence, but rather the small and consistent efforts, I put in every single day with a peaceful and focussed mind.”
I have seen many students constantly worrying about certain subjects that they find difficult while preparing for the examinations. For some, it might be mathematics or physics. The students who spend so much time stressing over these challenges may lose focus on the subjects they already understand well. The unnecessary anxiety drains their energy, making them feel overwhelmed rather confident. If the students have the tendency to dwell on their weakness stressfully or endlessly comparing themselves with others, they would not be able to use their strengths effectively. Instead of allowing the fear to take control of your preparation for the exam, approach the difficult subjects with patience and well- planned strategy. You can break them into smaller, manageable parts and tackle them step by step with the help of your teacher. While focussing more on the difficult subjects, do not neglect the subjects you are already confident in. Mastering or strengthening what you know well will boost your confidence and help you to score overall score. It also gives you the motivation to handle the difficult subjects with a calmer mindset.
Success in exams and in life is not about the perfection but about the balance you strike between the hard work and smart preparation, between focussing on your strengths and improving your weakness. Focus on your strengths, work on your weakness with a calm and positive mind set and you will emerge as the winner.
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