The things you learn in school

The Things You Learn in School
(An open letter)

My dear kids,
For many of you,crunch time is close. The nightmares have begun, and no many how many hours you grind your noses into your books and notes, the brain seems not to be able to absorb and work in tandem. I understand your fears, I share your insecurites. No one can really make accurate predictions on how you are going to perform.

But I hope that what I am telling you here will provide some comfort, and the drive to keep on trying.

Do not let fear of the exams overwhelm you. You need to be able to have a clear mind when you go in. You are ready to meet your 'enemies' (the papers), because you can recognise patterns, questions types, and set expectations. Really, the whole thing is not just about memorising the facts and figure, and the information...for when you move on later, you will realise that it is how much you are able to understand, process , and make connections that these information become useful.

Success in life... is not measured just by numbers and grades. Yes, you do need to do well in order to move on to the higher institutes of education. But ask yourself...what is your current motivation to do well? Your parents? Your peers? Your own self? If you do not believe that you can do well, than you have already defeated your sense of self-purpose. So adopt a winner's mentality, and consciously tell yourself.."I can do it..I can do well...I am working for the best of my ability and more"

" A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thought" - James Allen.

You know, you have run the long marathon...and now, you are coming into that last lap around the stadium. It seems like the finishing line is still so far away, and everyone around you has begun to pick up speed.
What is your strategy now?

Take stock of your actions...and keep your 'finishing line' clear in your mind. You are tired, but don't forget...so are the rest too...If you can pick up speed, then do so...if not, keep at an even pace. Even if you stumble...pick yourself up, brush away the dirt,...and push yourself forward.

Find your strengths...Concentrate on what you can do best...Remove 'mental and emotional' baggage like negativity, and self-doubts. Think what you can do...not about outdoing someone else.

Refuse to think that you are a failure...for I know most of you can do it...I believe.