Learning from past exam experience
While all you Form Five students are getting anxious about the upcoming Cert Exam, the marathon that is A-Levels is nearly over.
I have been much calmer during this second experience of public exams - no more butterflies in my stomach when sitting in an unfamiliar hall surrounded by strangers. It's been more like sitting in a classroom, waiting for a term test. The experience of CE has made a difference to how I approach my A-Levels.
I still remember how my emotions were like a roller-coaster ride during my CE.
There were times when I was full of energy and determined to study. And then, as the exams dragged on, there were times when I was suddenly in the doldrums, wanting to give up studying.
Our emotions are the greatest hindrance to concentration and, of course, I wish I had been able to concentrate more on studying for the CE.
For A-Levels, some things have been different. Even though there have been fewer subjects for the past 15 months, I have still felt overwhelmed at times because there's more to study and we only just finished the syllabus in time. And I have still come out of the exam hall feeling frustrated and foggy.
But, at the same time, I have also seen the bright side of this marathon. You don't need to wake up at the crack of dawn and hurry to school every morning. You have time to watch your favourite TV programmes during the day or indulge in hobbies.
Most importantly, you are constantly given support by your family. Mine were so caring - they constantly refilled the cupboard with cookies and kept as quiet as they could around the house.
It's been an experience of family love that might have always existed but wasn't fully appreciated until this point.
Let your family's encouragement and empathy fill you with confidence. Remember that there's support everywhere, cheering you on to the finishing line. I'll be cheering for you too, Form Five students.
Pulcheria is a regular SYP columnist.
