KATHMANDU, June 20: With the SLC results published last week, I can´t help but hear people talk about the results and related stuffs everywhere: at work, at home, in the neighborhood.
This brings back memories of my schooldays when I worked so hard to prepare for my SLC. Then came the sleepless nights which I spent worrying about my results, and finally, the results were published.
I secured first division, and I wasn’t happy with my results as it was less than I expected and most of my batch mates secured distinction. But thanks to my parents, they helped me understand that securing good marks in SLC is not everything and securing first division is not too bad, either. Most importantly, they told me that SLC isn’t the only opportunity I had to prove myself.
Now as I look around, I see many students, who secured less percentage in SLC than expected, crying their eyes out, for they could have done better.
I agree you don´t get to appear for SLC again and again once you pass the exam, but like my parents told me then, it´s definitely not the end. Passing SLC with flying colors is in no way a direct ticket to a promising future.
In future, as you complete your higher studies and apply for jobs, you won´t be hired just because you have secured more percentage in SLC than the other candidates.
The most important concern today regarding SLC is higher failure rates. Absence of pre-test, strikes that lasted longer than months may be considered the causes of fewer pass rates. But whatever be the reason, it really hurts to hear about young students committing suicide.
Obviously, we cannot blame long strikes or absence of pretests for these suicides. Psychological stress they go through because of the pressure their society and family put on them can be considered as one of the most important reasons for this.
It is time we all helped each other realize that SLC is not bigger than life and stop pressuring students. For those who could not succeed in the first attempt, there is always a second chance to secure better percentage.
As Al Franken said, "Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way, unless it´s a fatal mistake, which, at least others can learn from."
The writer is a physiotherapist at an NGO which works with differently-able children.
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