EXAMS!

As everyone knows exams are coming our way in a week. You guys must be thinking, "Oh my god, EXAMS, I'm gonna fail this!!!", or "I'm scared, I don't want to do this!". That's crazy talk peoples! If you put your mind to it, you can succeed if you believe in yourself. I hope this speech/essay that all came from my head will change your attitudes and values towards situations like this and inspired/motivated you! Okay here goes:

I know this situation very well. We are under immense pressure due to:
1. new harder courses than last year
2. teachers lecturing us more frequently
3. EXAMS
4. high expectations from teachers, yourself and especially parents
5. big piles of homework everyday
6. etc, etc.

These are large obstacles we have to overcome. I know it's hard, especially with the time. Time is going very fast this year, we're already halfway of Term 2! But getting 80-100% in tests/exams is not by waiting for a magic fairy to cast a spell on you and then you immediately get IQ of 200. It takes hard work, persistance, pure determination, "never say die" attitude, and possibly passion.

You have to sacrifice lots of time like going to parties, soccer matches at park, city, etc. Instead you should study late nights, practise a lot, ask for help from friends/teachers, have hope/faith and believe in yourself!

I see many of our fellow year 11s are starting to lose hope, and just want to wallow in a hole and lay there till it all goes away. Don't think like that! Yes, you may fall down once, or twice, but if you keep on persisting and never giving up, you will climb that obstacle and see that you have achieved your goal. You will get a warm feeling in yourself, and want to strive for more. Keep thinking positive, and you will succeed!

I see that some students are studying together at libraries, or at their houses, which is a very good idea. "Two minds are better than one" as they say. If you study for long periods of time, take a 10-20 minute break at every hour interval. Go for some fresh air, have a piece of fruit, walk your dog, whatever soothes your mind, body. Try to study in a quiet environment, away from TVs, noisy rooms, smaller siblings. Ask for help from your friends or your teachers, they are always welcome to help you.

This isn't year 9 or 10 where you can just kick back and relax. Year 11 is serious, now is the time to pick up a book, heads down, pen on paper and work your way up to success! We have to take responsibility for ourselves and not rely on teachers to treat us like babies. We better enjoy our term holidays as well, as I heard from a few teachers that in year 12 you have to study in the holidays as well.

Well that's all from me now. Now it's up to you on what you want to do now. Plan/organise, your study times, and be confident! I believe in all of you and may my spirit guide you to succeed! Now lets go own these exams!!