1 Day Before the A-Level Results
For someone who’s going to receive her GSC (General Studies in Chinese, a.k.a. Chinese GP) results tomorrow, I sure am a cool cucumber. So far I haven’t experienced any of those typical day-before-results symptoms: nightmares of failing that jolt you awake in the middle of the night, sweaty palms, racing pulse…you name it, I probably don’t have it. It seems to be a complete turnabout from the time I was waiting to receive my O level results. The memories of those sleepless nights still haunt me.
Yet I’m sure there are hundreds, even thousands, who don’t think that way. To them, tomorrow might be the day that decides the rest of their lives. Too many times, I have witnessed this rite of passage in my cousins, who thankfully have all scored very decent results (one even scored 7 As, to the jubilation of the entire clan) and moved on to pursue their desired course. I can tell for sure that the fear and worry gripping every single one of the J3s getting their results tomorrow is not imagined.
This fear is the result of high self expectations, coupled with pressure from parents, teachers, friends, relatives and the school to do well. The thought of getting a certificate filled with Es and Us would be enough to crack even the mentally toughest of students. The stakes are even higher for scholars, for they risk getting their scholarship, the lifeline of their education and ticket to a better future, revoked by the government.
I’m trying to be realistic. The environment is not a forgiving one. It is the true embodiment of survival of the fittest — eat, or be eaten. Kill, or be killed. But there is one thing I always believe in and turn to in times of need-that God’s Grace would carry me through in the toughest of times and the most trying of situations. Therefore, I urge all those receiving their results tomorrow: have hope, and dream big! When one door closes, another one opens (it’s some physics theory about air pressure, but I never got down to understanding it as I absolutely abhor said subject.) Find a door that welcomes you, and you’ll be set to continue the next stage of your life.
Credits: Image source from http://tonymccollum.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/open-door.jpg