This open letter from a cancer survivor to Leaving Cert students is a must read
Kristian O Leary, 26, began writing last year during her treatment for gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).
"I started my blog, www.ruerascal.com, in January 2015 from the 4 South Ward in Cork University Hospital, post-diagnosis of GTD," she told the . "I penned my way through treatment."
She has now shared a letter she wrote for her younger sister, Shannon, who sits her Leaving Cert this summer. Kristian works with Leaving Cert students and she says seeing how hard the students work also influenced what she wrote.
Kristian, who completed her Leaving Cert in 2006, hopes her letter will inspire students to fully enjoy their time in school and the years that follow.
She says the Leaving Cert is "an important time in your life, but it is not the end of the world," and reminds teenagers that it is okay to change their minds about the choices they make now, but warns them not to be influenced by outside sources.
"Deciding your life's path at 18 is hard. You will change your mind multiple times," Kristian says.
"Do not make permanent decisions based on temporary feelings. Do not allow a boy (or girl) influence your direction. It it is meant to be, ye will meet up down the road again.
"Your relationship with your bestie for life, you may come to find it was based on common interests of drinking and acting the fool. Don't fret - you will find another like minded individual in time and have sturdier foundations in that friendship."
For those planning a post-exam holiday, she offers advice on drinking, dating, and tattoos.
"If you're going on a sixth year holiday, just spend the extra money for the non-paint stripper and keep your voice box intact," Kristian says.
"Don't bone the first night. If you can, keep it in your bikini for the duration. That's even better.
"Trafficking is real, do not take a walk along the water's edge with a handsome stranger. Rape isn't sexy.
"Don't be afraid to be a bit boring. There's no need to tattoo yourself. That amazingly cool Chinese symbol for peace and love you get next to your belly button probably means chicken curry. Also, wait ten years, it may be a bit bigger.
"It will probably be the best time of your life, so make the most of it and don't waste it on being overly drunk and starting petty fights with your girls.
"If you are in love, the beach is an amazing place to be. Summer romances can be beautiful."
She urges young people to take things slowly during their exams and when deciding on a path after school, saying if they have doubts it is best to wait rather than rush into an impulsive decision.
"If you have any doubts about the choices you've made on your CAO, wait a year. Don't settle. Don't take up a course because you feel pressured. Work for a while. Figure out what it is that you truly love to do.
"The things that make you cool now? They're not so cool later in life.
"Have conversations within your group about the exams as if it's a gossip session. You will actually remember so much more.
"Bring many pens. Don't drink too much water during your exams. Peeing wastes valuable time.
"Take it a day at a time. One exam at a time. A question at a time. Stay right until the end. You'll be surprised what will come back to you when you've left early - it's really frustrating.
"Stop looking at the people writing circles around you. Concentrate on your own paper. For all you know, they're writing nonsense. It's quality, not quantity.
"Most importantly: just breathe.
"You may think this is the most pivotal moment in your life, but, if it makes you feel any better, you won't know stress until you have babies and bills. You have it pretty good right now. Your parents foot your hairdressing bill and your wardrobe is a size 6 high street haven. Enjoy!"
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