A level results in our house today. I’m in awe of those that did well and in awe of those that didn’t do so well.
It’s difficult for those blessed with a clever brain and a stable family and maybe even extra tuition. They feel sick with worry about results day too, and don’t usually get to shout their good grades from the rooftops. If that’s you, be happy and proud. Celebrate. Make the most of your clever brain and use it to make a difference in the world.
And it’s difficult for those who aren’t quite so academically clever in a system that values only academic achievement. Five years, or seven years, or more, of being told if you work hard you can get a C, a B, an A, or an A star - as if that’s the only thing that matters, the only way to prove your worth. It’s nonsense. You can’t do anything you want to do if only you apply yourself and work hard. We all have different strengths. If you balanced working hard with all the other important things like friendships and relationships and taking care of your mental health then be proud. You did your best. If you need to rethink your path from here then do that - get the help you need to process the disappointment and find a way to make a difference in the way you were born to shine.
And for those with so much other stuff going on that there just isn’t the brain capacity for study right now, know that other opportunities will present themselves. I know that you can sit down to study, phone off and books in front of you, but if the brain says no then the brain says no. Look after yourself and do what you need to do until there’s a better time for you. University can wait.
Exam results really don’t define you and they certainly don’t predict your happiness or success. Not at all. It’s what you do with what you have that matters.