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| First, I want you to know that what you’re feeling is very common—many students experience the same pressure, anxiety, and uncertainty, especially around second year of high school when the college entrance exams start to loom larger. You’re not alone. It’s important to acknowledge these emotions so that you can find healthier ways to cope with them. Let’s break down your concerns:
1. Feeling Like You’re Letting Your Parents Down
Open Communication: Even though your parents haven’t explicitly said they’re disappointed, it’s natural to worry about their expectations. Sometimes parents don’t realize just how much pressure you feel. If you feel comfortable, gently share with them that you’re trying your best and that their concern, while loving, can feel overwhelming. Most parents genuinely want to help but might not always know the right way to show it.
Recognize Their Support: Your parents care about you deeply. This concern, in many cases, comes from love, not from an intention to burden you. The goal is to find a balance where you appreciate their support without feeling crushed by it.
Remember Your Worth Is Not Just About Exams: It can be hard to believe when you’re in the thick of test prep, but your value as a person isn’t defined by grades or test scores. Remind yourself—and, if needed, remind your parents too—that exams are just one part of your life.
2. Anxiety About the College Entrance Exam
You Still Have Time: As a second-year student, you still have a good chunk of high school ahead of you. You can use this time to solidify foundations in your subjects, improve your study methods, and experiment with what works best for you.
Take Short, Effective Breaks: It’s common to be afraid of resting when everyone around you seems to be studying nonstop. However, research shows that studying for too many hours without a break can actually reduce productivity and increase burnout. Short, purposeful breaks (like taking a 5–10 minute walk or listening to music) can boost your focus and keep your mind fresh.
Study Smart, Not Just Hard:
Set Specific Goals: Instead of “I want to do well,” break it down. For example, “I’ll focus on mastering these 10 vocabulary words today” or “I want to complete these two chapters in math this week.”
Active Learning: Use techniques like summarizing notes, teaching a topic to a friend, or doing practice problems instead of only reading textbooks passively.
Review Regularly: Don’t wait until the last minute—schedule regular revisions so you remember things long-term, rather than just cram.
3. Doubts About Your Ability
Growth Mindset: Remind yourself that abilities can be developed. If you feel behind, that doesn’t mean you’re not ‘cut out for studying.’ It might mean you need to tweak your methods or find a study technique that resonates better with your learning style.
Celebrate Small Wins: If you improved a test score, or understood a difficult concept you couldn’t grasp before, that progress matters. Recognizing and celebrating these small milestones keeps you motivated.
Ask for Help: If certain subjects are challenging, reach out to teachers, classmates, or tutors. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a proactive step toward improvement.
4. Worrying About the Future and “Good Universities”
A Good University Is Not the Only Path: While certain colleges may open specific doors or networks, they are by no means the only measure of success or the only path to a fulfilling life and career. Plenty of people find success through different routes—transferring schools later, technical/vocational paths, entrepreneurial efforts, or discovering their passions after high school.
Define Success on Your Own Terms: Success can look very different from one person to another. Rather than tying it all to a university name, think about what interests you, what you’d like your future to look like, and set personal goals accordingly.
Adaptability Matters: In the modern world, the ability to learn, adapt, and continuously grow is more important than any one exam result. Having determination, resilience, and a willingness to try new things can lead to successes that a single test can’t predict.
5. Balancing Hard Work and Self-Care
Physical and Mental Health First: If you’re constantly tired or burnt out, you won’t be able to study effectively. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and finding a bit of time for exercise or hobbies. Even 15-20 minutes a day of something that relaxes you can re-energize your mind.
Strategic Breaks and Relaxation:
Schedule short breaks during study sessions.
Practice mindfulness or meditation (even a few minutes can reduce stress).
Listen to music, draw, or do anything creative if it helps you recharge.
Time Management: Make a realistic schedule that includes both study time and break time. Having a clear plan helps you avoid the guilt of taking breaks because you know you’ve planned your study goals for the day.
6. Words of Encouragement
Your Feelings Are Valid: It’s completely normal to feel pressure and worry. Recognizing these feelings is the first step to dealing with them in a healthier way.
You Have Strengths: You might not see them clearly right now, but everyone has unique talents and abilities. Focus on discovering and developing yours.
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: The journey to college and beyond is long. Pace yourself, be consistent, and trust the process. Small steps every day add up.
Ask for Help When You Need It: Whether it’s from parents, teachers, or friends, seeking support can lighten the load.
You Deserve Rest: Rest is part of productivity. When you take care of your mind and body, you study more effectively.
Final Thoughts
Exams are important milestones, but they do not define you. Life has many pathways and opportunities—some of which you can’t even predict now. Doing your best is valuable, and you don’t have to strive for perfection to have a bright future.
If you ever feel like stress or anxiety is overwhelming, it might help to speak to a school counselor, a trusted teacher, or a mental health professional. You’re allowed to look after your well-being, and reaching out for support is a sign of courage.
Keep going—you have so much life ahead of you. Focus on consistent effort, healthy habits, and a positive mindset. Little by little, you’ll make progress. You’ve got this!
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