Guide Stars Lessons: Give me this mountain
Dear Students,
As you prepare for your CSEC examinations, it’s natural to feel a blend of anxiety and anticipation. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. It’s perfectly okay to admit that you’re scared and to explore what worries you the most. Fear and worry can trick us into believing we’ve already faced every possible scenario, but often, these concerns are just “mind stuff”—imagined fears that haven’t materialized. As a wise man once said, these are False Expectations Appearing Real (F.E.A.R.). The anxiety you feel is simply your mind’s way of processing the importance of this event. Rather than letting it overwhelm you, recognize it as a sign of how much you care about your future and use it as motivation to prepare even better.
As the exam day approaches, focus on what you can control. Until you’re in the examination room, any fears about the exam are just mental projections. Take deep breaths, stay organized, and maintain a positive attitude. Trust in your preparation and the hard work you’ve put in throughout the year. Remember, it’s not about being perfect but doing your best. Embrace the challenge with confidence and know that you have the skills and knowledge to succeed. Believe in yourself, and let that belief carry you through your exams and beyond.
We often measure success in terms of placements and rankings, and while achieving a high position is commendable, it’s important to recognize that success cannot be confined to these parameters. Even though there is an element of competition in these exams where someone will ultimately be first, I encourage you to maintain a relaxed state of mind during your preparation. This approach will allow you to absorb more information and improve your ability to retain it. Retention should be your primary goal, as it ensures that the knowledge and skills you’ve developed over the years will be beneficial when you move on to higher education or enter the workforce. By focusing on truly understanding and remembering what you’ve learned, you ensure that the time and effort invested in your education are not wasted, enabling you to build on this foundation as you advance.
For those who learn best through hands-on experiences or require more time to grasp new concepts, know that this chapter may have its challenges, but perseverance and a drive toward mastery are key. Formal education settings might not suit everyone perfectly, but remember that each of us possesses the potential for greatness. Regardless of your exam results, push yourself beyond any limitations, whether real or imagined. Success is like a cake—everyone can get a slice. You are in control of your destiny, and it’s crucial to decide not to let any limitations, perceived or otherwise, conquer you. Embrace the journey, keep striving, and know that your efforts will pave the way for future achievements.
And to those who have adopted a laissez-faire attitude towards these exams, it’s time to put in the effort. No one boards a ship without a captain at the helm. If you allow yourself to drift aimlessly, the vessel of your future will inevitably run aground, leading to unpleasant consequences. Be honest with yourself and cancel that mindset immediately. Accepting failure without challenge will embed itself deep within your subconscious, reemerging in significant moments to whisper lies of inadequacy and defeat. Take control of your journey, steer with determination, and refuse to let complacency define your path.
The story of Saint George and the Dragon is a powerful reminder that we all face seemingly insurmountable challenges.
In a distant kingdom, a fearsome dragon terrorized the people, demanding sacrifices and spreading fear. Desperate to save his land, the king offered his own daughter to the dragon. As the princess awaited her grim fate, Saint George, a brave knight guided by his faith, arrived and vowed to save her. With determination and careful preparation, he faced the dragon with unwavering belief in his abilities.
Saint George confronted the dragon with calm and focus, drawing strength from both his preparation and faith. The battle was intense, but he remained steadfast, using his skills and trust in a higher power to overcome the beast. With strategic precision and courage, he struck down the dragon, saving the princess and restoring peace to the kingdom. This tale mirrors our own struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, especially as you prepare for your CSEC examinations. Like Saint George, you can face your own dragons with a combination of hard work, confidence, and faith.
As you approach your exams, remember that you are not alone. It’s natural to feel anxious, but let that anxiety drive you to prepare even more thoroughly. Believe in your abilities and the effort you’ve put in over the years. Trust in yourself and have faith that you can overcome any fear or doubt. Embrace the journey with determination, knowing that with preparation and a positive mindset, you can triumph over any challenge. Your future is in your hands—face it with courage and confidence, and you will achieve the success you deserve.
Think of Caleb in the Old Testament, who, despite the challenges ahead, declared, “Give me this mountain” (Joshua 14:12). He faced his fears and obstacles with unwavering faith and determination. Like Caleb, approach your exams with the same resolve. Similarly, remember the story of Saint George, who faced the fearsome dragon with calm and focus, drawing strength from his preparation and faith. See each challenge as a mountain to conquer or a dragon to slay, knowing that you have the strength, knowledge, and support to succeed. Every bit of effort you put in now is paving the way for a brighter future. Trust that your hard work will pay off, and let your faith guide you through the tough moments. With perseverance and a positive mindset, you can overcome any obstacle. So, take on your exams with the spirit of Caleb and the bravery of Saint George, and you will find that you have the power to achieve greatness.
Thank you for taking the time to read this piece. If you have any comments, queries, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can reach me at [email protected]. Your feedback is valuable, and I look forward to hearing from you.
