Testing time as changes are on the way

WELL, it’s finally here. After six years of work I’ve officially started what many people say is the worst few weeks of their lives.

Yes, the journey has been stressful, yes, there have been many tears and many arguments with people who say I shouldn’t be out during exams, etc.

As English is now out of the way and Maths and half Irish, it’s safe to say that weird breakdown hasn’t happened, if anything, I’ve had a Sylvia Plath moment — I realised I’m aging and that’s definitely a horrific realisation.

Soon, I’ll (hopefully), be moving out on my own living the college life. I’ll be meeting people, experiencing new things and moving on in life. That’s an even scarier thought, if I’m being honest.

What I’ve learned throughout my six years? Where do I begin? The education system needs a change, and teachers can make or break a subject for you. If a teacher is horrible, crude, everything, it can ruin a subject in about 2.5 seconds. Then you experience a teacher who will completely transform you, make you love a subject and that motivates you to work hard.

I think it’s important that students are motivated each and every day. Yes, there are days where you feel like running out the door and never coming back, but the idea of a challenge is what brings most people back.

In reality, I do feel that the system can be better equipped for students who are more practical in learning, not all theory work and quick writing.

The most important thing throughout my six years in Millstreet was having a good support base in my friends and family. That was the difference in my opinion. I had people I could talk to about anything and they were always there for me and, as cheesy as it is I haven’t a clue where I would be without them. As William A. Ward once said “Recipe for Success: Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing.”

It’s important for any future Leaving Certificate students in the future that they understand patience and a positive and determined attitude are where it’s at. As I have said to many of my friends, ‘worrying solves nothing, it only delays what needs to be done and bogs down your mind into negative thinking’.

I will admit, however, I cannot wait to get my mind back on track and my life and go out having fun with my friends.