To the Year 8 Students in Fiji,
First and foremost, congratulations to those of you who have achieved outstanding results! Your accomplishments reflect your dedication and the sacrifices made by your family, friends, and even your lineage. Take the time to celebrate this achievement with humility and appreciation.
This message, however, is directed towards those who may not have succeeded or achieved the results they had hoped for. I want to emphasize that this is not the end of your journey. Although the pain of disappointment may feel intense right now and others may discuss your results for a short while, soon they will move on to other matters.
What truly matters is how you choose to respond to this moment. I personally recall experiencing challenges with certain subjects and teachers during my school years. There was a particular educator who handed out exam papers in a descending order, which created a humiliating hierarchy for many of us. This experience left lasting impacts and took years to overcome the shame instilled by a toxic culture that prioritized grades above all else.
As a teacher now, I vowed that no student would ever endure that same feeling. It is essential to release ourselves from the unhealthy fixation on test results that has roots in our colonial history and limited resources. Your worth is not based on a numerical score.
Understand this: whether your score is 100 or 50, both students have the capacity for success. What distinguishes individuals is their intent, ambition, and hard work. Everyone has unique abilities – some may excel in Mathematics while finding Science challenging; others may shine in sports but struggle with English.
The most significant competition you should focus on is the one with yourself. Ask yourself: have you progressed from where you began? It is natural to feel down today; I have experienced similar feelings. However, let that disappointment serve as motivation for you to strive for improvement. Direct that energy into something constructive, and in time, you will reflect on this moment with pride for how far you’ve come.
I wish someone had shared this perspective with me when I was younger. Now, we have the responsibility to change the detrimental emphasis on grades, for the benefit of future generations. Remember, you are more than enough—for yourself, your families, and the world.
When you look in the mirror, take pride in who you are. Don’t allow the comments from any ill-informed relatives to make you doubt your worth or abilities. The world is eagerly waiting for you, and your journey is just beginning. Keep pushing forward and maintaining belief in yourself.
You are capable, you are brilliant, and you are enough.
In summary, this message serves as a reminder to all Year 8 students that success is not solely defined by academic results. It encourages resilience, personal growth, and self-worth, emphasizing that every individual has unique qualities that contribute to their potential for success. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth and strive to redefine what it means to achieve in your own life.
Stay optimistic and embrace the potential that lies ahead.
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