Lessons I've Learnt As a Student

I think it has to be said that, generally speaking, being a student is really, really hard. From somebody who has just left and is now undertaking A-Levels, there are so many things I've discovered, many of which I wish I could have told myself six years ago.

Don't underestimate the power of having good friends

Despite this being a slight cliché thing to be saying, I haver to say that having had a strong group of friends, especially during those GCSE years, when everything feels like a constant battle, was the main thing getting me through. The number of times I came out of exams and immediately remarked on the fact that I'd probably failed (especially after History), and the only thing that could reassure me was knowing that so many people has just been through the same experience as me.

Don't bear everyone's problems on your shoulders

Truth be told, this is something I still do, to an extent, and need to keep reminding myself not to do. Something so important to remember is that you cannot solve everybody's problems. Of course, you can sympathise and maybe empathise with people, and make sure you're there for them, but don't take these problems home with you, as eventually they will consume you, if you hold onto them for too long. 

Don't let bad test scores get you down

I cannot even tell you the number of times I cried when I received a test score I thought was 'bad', only because I have such high expectations of myself and, to be honest, I like to be good at the things I do. But since starting my A-Levels, I'm suddenly realising that getting lower scores in mock exams and mini topic tests aren't getting me down quite as much as they used to, and I'm starting to have a bit more perspective; it can only be a good thing to receive feedback and improve on where you went wrong, right? And, although it's such a cliché thing to say, but really, if you were content with how much work you put towards your exams, that's an achievement in itself, and you simply cannot excel at everything. 

Remember why you're doing what you're doing

It can always be so difficult to stay motivated to revise, finish coursework etc , especially around this time of year, however the one thing that consistently keeps me motivated (and I mean, the only thing) is remembering that how hard I work now will have a massive impact on my future, so I strive to put into life what I want to get out of it (again, cliché, I know, but it's true).

Lot of love,