This blog post is dedicated to all those students who would appear for Board exams this year. It’s a letter to motivate them and break the shackles of fear mostly created by their acquaintance. I have shared my secrets with my niece through Letter.
Dear J,
When I first saw you I was a newlywed bride and you were a baby girl trying to be on your feet. Time flies and now you are a grown-up girl ready to take the world in your stride.
Appearing for your board exams in just weeks time or so. This exam is the first stepping stone of your career. But the intent of saying this is not to scare you or pressurize you further. I know, you would be getting to hear lot of “gyans” everyday from parents, kith and kins and even neighbours.
This aunt would not piss you off with redundant lectures or tips that you probably would be hearing since the beginning of this year.
The exam is an assessment and not the final verdict on your knowledge and ability that you possess. Grades never define the soft skills that is more required to excel in this cut-throat world.The list of those who never been to college is long but still became thought leaders in their niche.It’s not to discourage you to pursue higher studies but to help you stay cool.
Shed your fear and face it like a warrior. The warrior never thinks of winning or losing the battle, all he does is fight with all his strength.Be happy this war will not have any bloodshed all you loose is few marks and grades here and there.
Parents and people around you try to create a “Do or Die” atmosphere while appearing for it. If you don’t score well you are doomed or if you top the list your career gets the required boost. The results have an impact but then life opportunity doesn’t ceases there.
But I would share with you few practices that helped me to come out with flying colours. You may find it “old wine in new bottle” but it would work for sure.
Here’s my Mantra for exams:
* Setting Right Mindset – Remember the only thing that is within our control is our diligence. Remember the famous Shlokha of Srimad Bhagvad Gita :
कर्मण्ये वाधिका रस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्म फल हेतु र्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्व कर्मणि॥
Karmanye vadhika raste, Ma phaleshu kadachana
Ma karma phala he tur bhuh, ma te sangotsva karmanye
Meaning, only karma or deeds are in your hands, not the result. So give your head and heart when you study. The moment one starts anticipating about the results the anxiety kicks in only to weaken your efforts.
My father always used to say one thing during my growing-up days, “Participate and give your best shot, participation spirit is more important than winning”.
Till date this quote has stayed with me. When you only concentrate on giving your best efforts you are free from the clutches of anxiety and results have to be in flying colours for sure. Don’t anticipate on your result, concentrate on your efforts, rest everything will fall in place.
* Taking care of yourself – Yes, health is of utmost importance. You can give your best only when you are fit both physically and mentally. Good sleep, taking healthy meals should not be neglected for sure. Self-care is of utmost important during exams.
* Stop Mugging and start learning – Last minute study helps only if you have understood and not blindly mugged it up. Concepts clarity will help you answer even a complicated or difficult question. Take help from teachers, seniors, friends who can help you understand the concept. Learning concept helps not rote .
* Late Night Study never helps – Well, I preferred late-night studies as I found it to be peaceful and staying awake was never an issue for me. But I would not encourage you for burning midnight oil, morning study always helps if at all you don’t feel sleepy. And avoid it just before exams for sure, as tired and sluggish brain hardly works properly.
* Revise chapters you are weak at – At times most of the questions comes from chapters you are not comfortable with. Not a good idea if you completely exclude it.
* Don’t think much on the paper that went bad study for next one – After giving exams you know whether it went good or bad. If it’s bad stop brooding over it as you cannot reverse it so start preparing for the next.
This is just the beginning of your career, a good start definitely helps but if it’s not the way you thought then chill out as you would get plenty of them in future.
* If you fall sick
Don’t study take rest so that you can write your exams properly not feeling fatigued. As such last-minute study hardly helps. Try going through model papers . Another way is to just go through the highlights of every chapter.
“The difference between try and triumph is a little umph.”
– Marvin Phillips
Brace yourself with all our warm wishes and give your best shot. If you feel low at any point of time then read the inspirational quotes that would inspire you to bounce back.
Yours Loving,
Aunt
You can also read :
Updates for CBSE Board exams, news and Latest Information
Chanting Gayatri Mantra can make your child super intelligent and conscious
I am participating in #Growyourblogchallenge blog train.
Awww such a cute letter dear.. and highly impressive too. You had shared really valuable points with your niece in this post regarding dealing with exam stress and I agree that kids should have a calm mindset before exam and as a grown up we should try to help them in achieving this.
The sole intent was to pep them up . These days kids undergo more peer and parental pressure than the load of studies.
Board exams can be a time of tension for teens. They are going through so many hormonal changes and have to decide about their life at this time. You have given timely advice for them with this post!
Such insightful tips you have shared Debi…lucky niece…am sure she is going to follow them and come out a winner. All the best to her!
Gosh wish these were told to me when I was in the 10th STD. It was a crazy 2 years right from the 9th when I got the chicken pox and all.
Very useful tips if you have shared in this article, I am going to share with my cousin who is supposed to give boards exam next year
Sure dear hope she finds it inspirational and helps her to excel.
An excellent post filled with relatable and timely advice. A must-read for all children giving boards right now and also for their parents.
That’s a lovely post with some sound advise. We often forget to tell the kids the simpler and more important things. These are life lessons which she will need all her life. Enjoyed reading your post
Thanks Arushi. It has become a trend in recent years when young lives are succumbing to peer and parental pressure . Its just to spread little positivity and good vibes among new generation.
Such a sweet gesture for a Masi. She will surely remember your tips and blessing when she is grown up
She is already a grown -up girl and appearing for her Boards this year.
I meant when she is an adult and has more maturity of thought ?
Ultimate tips for all those who are trying hard to get ready for exams, to overcome their phobia, avoid the monotony of study days, thanks for sharing such an insightful post.
These are some really wonderful tips.. my cousin has his board exams this year. I am going to share your post with him..
Hope your cousin finds it inspirational and useful. All the Best to your cousins. Wishes from this Aunty.
all these are excellent tips dear and I agree getting ready for board exam is major thing and as a parent, it is our responsibility to prepare our kids confidently. taking care of your health is most important and all students should keep this in mind.
Very useful and informative post that too when boards have just started. Great tips for Parents and children as well.
i love the guidance you have given. excellent words not only these apply to exams, but to life in general. lovely
Thanks Rashmi, the intent was to pep up the young generation.Hope my article justified it.
These tips are so relevant and the fact that you have made them into a letter is even cuter!
I have already read…n commented..very nice blog as my son is also appearing for board this yr..I fealt every word..close to my heart
A thoughtful letter that would comfort not only your niece but all taking board exams. The tips are on point and hope it makes the right impact.
Such sound advice for the board students. But it is a must read for the parents too because most of the times, parents are the main reason of stress and panic in kids. The advice are very comprehensive and practical.
Thanks Supriti !! Parental pressure is more as a result teenage suicide has surfaced in recent times.
These tips are so relevant till date, even I used to study in morning slot.
This post is sure gonna help all the students going to appear for the boards. Exam time is a stressful time not only for students but equally for parents. I’m sure parents too will be guided by this post.