Alright, it's been a while, so I feel like I can talk
about it now.....
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Hello, my name is Bianka and I just survived the 10th
grade.
All jokes aside though, I just finished my Board
exams and well, I have a few things I would like to say! So welcome to
unofficial (and possibly completely inaccurate) guide to surviving the weirdest
year ever.
First off, don’t believe people when they say 10th
is easier than 9th. They’re lying and probably hated it just as much
as you do. They’re just trying to cushion the blow. But me, I’m gonna be
straight with you – it sucks. You’re going to be sleep deprived and hungry most
of the time and usually that still won’t be enough to finish all your homework.
So Pro-tip#1 – try to do homework immediately and don’t let it pile up until the
day you have 3 tests and 5 projects due as well. I know procrastination is a
genetic human fault and frankly I don’t think we dedicate enough time to
finding a cure for it. But until we do, it’s up to you to get that work done.
Take it from someone who knows, you do
not want to get on a teacher’s bad side.
Ok. Pro-tip#2 – Take your internal work for the boards
seriously! Believe me, knowing that you have a full 20 marks secure already
helps give you peace of mind. And that comes in handy! So don’t ever forget the
graph in physics, be super neat with bio diagrams, give in good projects, and
above all, NEVER forget your chem lab coat!
Another thing that you better get used to fast is
testing- because it never ends! I believe the cycle goes – cycle test, cycle test,
term exam, cycle test, midterm, cycle test, revision test, annuals, pre-prelims,
prelims, and then of course, the omnipresent Boards. And no, you didn’t read
that wrong, it does say Pre-prelims! Let that sink in. And after each of these
tests, marks will keep flying at your head so fast that you won’t remember most
of them. I know I don’t! I guess Pro-tip#3 is just do your very best! Isn’t that
all we can do, anyway?
A much forgotten part of 10th, but one that I did
grapple with quite a bit was making decisions that would impact my future. This
was the year I had to pick my stream, which would determine my higher
education, my career, and possibly my future happiness. Now, that’s a big
decision to make for anyone to make; let alone a sleep deprived 15 year old
If
you’re just beginning 10th or will next year, or 2 years from now,
or even 10, you might be feeling scared and a bit nauseous right now. Pro-tip#4 –
Don’t be! Much as I have complained (with good reason) about this year, I know I
have never been alone. If it weren't for my parents, teachers, friends and an
obscene amount of coffee, I would have left school to join the circus one month
in! At some point in the middle of the whirlwind of homework, projects,
tuitions, and ceaseless testing, you will come to the realization, as I did,
that people really do care. From teachers to family to even the invigilators in
the board exam hall, they all truly care and want you to succeed almost as much
as you do. Pro-tip#5 – Know that. Believe that.
I
guess that’s my final thought on the matter. So here’s one final toast to 10th.
To 10A, the greatest class I could’ve asked for. To the sleepless nights, countless
impositions, last minute projects, and endless stream of tests. To the years to
come on paths we have chosen for ourselves. To all the memories, that right
now, feel like a lifetime away. And you know what? I wouldn't trade them for the world.
Until
next time,
Bianka.
