'You are more than a set of grades': Charity reminds students there are 'many paths to success'

Support organisation Turn2Me said the pressure to perform well and the fear of disappointing their parents or getting fewer points than their peers can take a significant toll on mental health.

As thousands of students brace themselves for receiving their Leaving Certificate results this morning, they are again being reminded results do not define them as people but are just a step in their life's journey.

The days and weeks leading up to Friday's results can be extremely stressful and anxious for the students and this can worsen depending on what they see when they open their results.

Support organisation Turn2Me said the pressure to perform well and the fear of disappointing their parents or getting fewer points than their peers can take a significant toll on mental health. 

The charity wants to remind students that exam results are just one part of their life journey and do not determine their worth or future success.

"At Turn2Me, we understand the intense emotions that come with waiting for exam results," said Fiona O'Malley, the charity's chief executive. 

It's important for students to remember that their Leaving Cert results are not the final word on their abilities or potential. There are many paths to success, and this is just one step along the way. 

"If things didn’t go well for you on the day, there are so many alternative routes into different careers, including conversion courses."

The charity is offering free online counselling sessions and peer support groups to help young people navigate the stress and anxiety associated with exam results. The charity is encouraging students to reach out if they need someone to talk to or if they are feeling overwhelmed.

"Our message to students is simple: You are more than a set of grades," Ms O'Malley said. 

"While exams are important, they do not define who you are or what you can achieve in life. It's okay to feel disappointed if you didn't get the results you were hoping for, but it’s also important to keep things in perspective and know that there are many opportunities ahead."

Students and their families can access Turn2Me’s free mental health services by visiting the charity’s website.