THIS week saw the beginning of the Year 12 HSC, with many students and parents feeling overwhelmed with the pressure.

Although the final year of school is important, it is good to remember that it will not be the most important year of your life.

Keep things in perspective, the ATAR score does not indicate who you are, or what you can achieve.

Your performance in Year 12 is not a measure of your ability and it does not control your success or happiness with your future plans.

Remember there are many ways to reach your goals regardless of your ATAR score.

“Important things to keep in mind for Year 12 Students is the importance of time tabling breaks and staying in contact with friends,” Vikki Ryall from Headspace told News Of The Area.

“It is important that if anyone is not feeling ok, please speak up and reach out for help as life continues beyond Year 12,” added Vikki Ryall.

There are many highly successful people whose wonderful successes are remembered but their failures are lesser known.

Steven Spielberg was rejected twice by The University of  Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.

Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first TV job as an anchor in Baltimore.

Thomas Edison was told by his teachers he was ‘too stupid to learn anything’.

Walt Disney was told by his former Newspaper editor that he ‘lacked imagination and had no good ideas’.

Albert Einstein didn’t start speaking until he was four, did not read until he was seven and was thought to be mentally handicapped.

JK Rowling was rejected nine times as she presented her first book to various publishing companies.

Elvis Presley was told by the Grand Ole Opry Manager, “You ain’t goin’ nowhere son, you ought to go back to drivin’ a truck.”

All of these successful people had one thing in common – a passion and determination to achieve their goals, regardless of what the world was telling them.

Don’t allow the stress of the HSC exams steal your hopes for the future.

Always remember – “There is no failure except in no longer trying.”  – American Writer Elbert Hubbard

For more assistance please contact Headspace – 1800 650 890 or Kids helpline – 1800 3338881.

 

By Jewell DRURY