Post-matric This is often even worse than the preparation for the exams. Now comes the waiting period and doubts and fears will multiply like weeds. Stay away from negative and fear-mongering people! Do not meditate on all the possible consequences of failure because this will completely demoralise you and undermine any positive approach you could adopt if you do indeed fail one or more subjects and want to re-write. exercise, and in different activities and hobbies to keep your mind positively engaged. In fact, to get your mind off yourself, this is an excellent time to become involved in some kind of volunteer or charity work, where you are interacting with other people – especially those less fortunate than yourself. Understand that very frequently, depression can set in because the levels of serotonin that were produced while you were focusing on exams have now dropped. Do not let stress build up by constantly thinking about the results. You need to indulge in
The post-matric student might lose his/her appetite and have trouble sleeping. This can also be countered by practising some activity, taking up a new hobby or doing regular exercise. Draw up plans for the future. This will help you feel prepared no matter what happens. Plan A would be your preferred option if you get the results you need for your career choice. Plan B would be what you decide to do if you don’t achieve what you hoped but haven’t missed the mark too badly. Plan C would cover the worst possible results. Whatever happens, do not think that if you don’t get the pass you need that there is no more hope for you in life. Let the potential stumbling block become a stepping stone. Learn from your mistakes. Do not break yourself down with condemnation but build yourself up to grab that second chance and make a success out of it. Supportive parents will make a world of difference. Not everyone has the skills or abilities to proceed to tertiary education. Our world doesn’t function without artisans,
technicians, the service and hospitality industries and so on – there are countless opportunities for those willing to work and achieve. Look at your strengths and be honest with what your heart tells you you would really like to do. It’s a sad fact that many young people are manipulated into studying for careers they are not emotionally, psychologically or intellectually suited for – by parents, by family or friends. Parents, do not impose your will and desires on your child. Rather help them identify their own unique talents and encourage them to find their own special role in life. Let the potential stumbling block become a stepping stone.
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