As the day of the result dawns, every student passing out from the 10th grade is sitting on the edge of their seats, biting their nails, rigorously shaking their legs. For some, it is a happy continuation of their vacations, and for others, their vacation blows, with getting remonstrated by their parents, inevitably being coerced to join tuition class, or not being allowed to go out with friends. Seems unfair, right?
Ever since you and several other students like you stepped into middle school, everyone around you has prepared you for this ultimate exam, the 10th boards, which is supposedly going to decide your entire future. Board exams have been hyped up to such an extent that most of the students fear even appearing for it, because it is the first nationalized external exam that a student gives. Board results function as a major trigger of anxiety amongst students.
10th Grade Result is extremely important. Or is it?
We’re here to burst the bubble. Sure, 10th grade is important, but not the results. The lessons, teachings, and knowledge garnered during these years act as a major influence in a child’s life. Students begin identifying what fields are they interested in, which influences their subject/stream selection for 11th and 12th grade, eventually shaping their professional future.
Students tend to sink into depression and even harbour suicidal tendencies when they don’t score well. Let me ask you this. How can a single mark sheet decide your entire future? Is a three-hour examination the absolute judge of your knowledge and your capabilities? If it did, how did Albert Einstein, an entrance exam failure, create one of the most important pillars of modern physics? Even Sachin Tendulkar and Akshay Kumar failed in school. Did that stop them from pursuing what they love and succeed in life? Marks never stopped successful people from following their dreams. You shouldn’t let marks stop you from following your dreams either.
What are the Options?
You can go the traditional way and choose the regular arts/commerce/science streams according to your interest as well as aptitude, or you can opt for specialised education like diploma courses that breaks free from traditional academics, to give you a head start in a career that you’d enjoy pursuing. There are diploma courses in fields that you would have never imagined, like Commercial Arts, 3D Animation, Cosmetology, Fashion Technology, etc. Do a thorough research of these specialised programmes and follow that route if it interests you more.
All said and done, you should never let quotes like “10th exams do not matter” hinder you from working hard to your full potential. Those who have not excelled in academics have not shied away from working hard and disciplining themselves to succeed in diverse aspects of their life. Therefore, do not use “marks don’t matter” as an excuse to shield you from giving the discipline it demands.
Take it easy, but study regularly. What matters is honest effort. If your efforts are honest, the percentage doesn’t make a big deal. There are a plethora of opportunities that will never end. Also, don’t let the sinking feeling of low scores make you believe that it is the end of all good things in your life. Greater things are about to happen. All the best!
Mohit Mangal is an expert counselor who provides career counseling to students and helps them deal with the anxiety that comes along with the results of the 10th grade.
