Returning from Thanksgiving break filled me with dread at the knowledge that I was one week closer to final’s week. As a freshman, having never experienced this before, I found myself leaning towards those with experience, yearning to obtain the secrets behind this phenomenon.
From what I heard from others, my fears were only intensified.
Some said that they were not mentally prepared for what was to come. Other claimed that they needed at least a 95% on their final in order to get an A in their class. One person promised that they would spend every waking moment studying.
So as I absorbed this information I couldn’t help but ask why people jeopardize their health or their happiness in order to obtain this grade that has no power to encompass them or their worth.
I feel slightly hypocritical as I write this since I am guilty of putting my grades above myself, too. For me, it climaxed at the end of last year, when I was studying for my IB exams. They were part of the reason why I found myself in the hospital the night before my test.
The last thing I would want is for somebody to feel like I felt.
I’ve seen so many articles with tips and tricks as to how to survive finals week. The fact that our goal can be described as “surviving” hints at this misdeed. If you’re looking for ways to study or pass your finals then I can’t help you. I find that this is something I struggle with as well. I am here to tell you that it is okay to prioritize yourself.
My mother used to tell me that the only person that we can control is ourselves. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the truth, the honest sentiment, behind this statement. Sometimes in life we cannot predict what will happen to us. Whether this is a final we would rather not take or even an illness that might strike, there is nothing we can do to prevent this.
But we can choose how we react to it, and we can choose how it controls us.
Don’t let this grade control how you perceive yourself or your intelligence. It only has the power to do that if you let it. Don’t forget that.
Going into finals this year, especially if it is your first time but even if it’s your last, just trust in yourself and your abilities. You have worked hard to get where you are, to attain your position and to attain this certain idea of yourself. Nothing should be able to taint that. Especially one, measly grade.
I know that I believe in you. I hope that you do, too.