Failure is the not the end of the road
How does it sound ending a life just because of failure I just can't get that sad news about that student who went and committed suicide after he failed a WAEC exam out of my head. This happened in Lagos state Nigeria. It just proves how much we are concerned about our grades, right? But honestly, bad score or one test worth taking everything? That's what's been bothering me. That's why I decided to to write about the various perceptions of academic stress, mental wellness, and all the solutions to success not just finding failure as the end.
The hidden factors
You get it, when you read only marks to students, you know what I mean? There is this tremendous burden of expectation from teachers, parents, and let's be practical, we pile it upon ourselves as well. That's where comparison comes in. Will you hear something like: your mate score this and that or do they have two heads? I understand the feeling when at some point in my life, see classmates moving to upper class but I was left behind. You can imagine you're in a classroom with another set of students with you. There's a lot of pressure on student and this pressure need to be handled immediately as this lead to some students giving up or committing suicide as the recent one happening in Lagos state Nigeria.
As a student we failed our class or fail examination we begin to believe that we are only as good as our grades, and that gets into our heads, and we become anxious, depressed, and all the rest. We really do need to think again what success really mean and listen to the fact that students are human beings with more than one talent, interest, and ability.
Seeing the Signs of Stress
How do we recognize a situation whereby someone is stress. It can be difficult sometimes but with this few tips, we can offer help to anybody in need.
Changes in mood and behavior: Whenever someone becomes more withdrawn from what he or she loves to do or being irritable all the time it could be a sign that they're struggling. The common If a kid loses interest in an activity they used to like all of a sudden, it could be a red flag.
Loss of interest in leisure activities: like I said earlier If someone lose interest in doing the things that he likes like studying something might be more wrong.
Most time they have a sleepless night which can possibly lead to some mental health challenges.
So anybody reading this whether as a student or not If you find these signs in yourself or with your friends, it's absolutely crucial to take action. What's the action? Seeking for assistance.
Seeking Assistance
When I was in secondary school, I could recall that we had a councilor that lecture on academic route. Do we still have today. Are they still active. So they make their selves approachable by students? I understand that all the students cannot A's but everyone are good on something. Infact many people who are wealrhy today once fail in their life. If you're struggling, just recall that you're not alone. There are people who care and who are willing to help you but somehow you need to make the initiative:
Speak up and be honest: ibibio Proverb says adip udoño akpa udoño( someone who hide sickness die from sickness). This means that you need to unburden your feelings, your concerns, and the doubts you have to someone you trust, someone you can rely one , someone you respect. These people can be parent as most time I prefer parents as they are our first role model and or beat friend, it can be teachers, friends, or even a mental health worker.
Seeking professional help is also a perfect way to deal with stress especially academic stress. Why not consult a therapist or counselor who can provide guidance and support? They will listen and offer a support.
Focus on learning and personal growth, not just grades. There's life after getting a good score. My dear you can do better if you recognize your efforts and celebrate small achievements.
Resources in Nigeria
I did a lot research as I try to find out how we can get connected to a therapist if we find ourselves in a situation whereby we feel life is worthless, the best way to talk to people share our burden. I found some of this resources that's working currently in Nigeria:
Lagos help line (09090006463)
Lagos Suicide Hotlines: (08058820777, 09030000741 (toll-free, 24/7)
*Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) youth program to assist with mental issues voluntarily.
Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital: Lagos, Yaba (therapy, psychiatric examination, drug management
*Beyond School: more best Options
I was surprised when I read that some of the most richest men and women in the, most of them were not smart, A student, they fail many time. I could recall the person who invented a lightening bulb,he failed 99 times before he could figure out the proper way . Academic success is does guarantee success. There are many others things to look on to be successful like:
Learning a trade or handwork: there are different trade skills you can learn like computer programming, carpentry, or cooking. Hands-on skills such as these can give you a career that you will enjoy.
How about creating an opportunity for people, or being an entrepreneur? if you have a business idea you can establish a business, manage and create and employment to other people or something that you love. It can be extremely rewarding and an amazing way to be creative.
Explore. I tell you now, someone can put hand into different profession. Do you love art, music, writing. How about showcasing what you know how to do best. The best part of it is that I'm steemit you have a chance to compete and earn reward for sharing your contents. They're really useful and can teach you all kinds of new things.
We need to work together
With all the school pressure and mental health issues, it's actually really important that we have a great support system around us. This support system can be:
Family and friends: Spend time with people who actually care about you.
Mental health professionals: Speak to a counselor or a therapist.
Support groups: There are several online support forums, social media groups, where you can share your problem and gets different ideas from people. You also have the chance to talk to people who've been through the same things.
Conclusion We can't let failure be the end, though. It's only a step closer to growing, learning, and becoming successful. Let's team up and create a fun setting for the students to excel. By knowing when things start to get difficult, seeking advice, and discovering other solutions, we can actually change the definition of success and improve tomorrow.
MY OPINION I just want to leave you with a small message of hope. You are so much more than your score and you are not defined by one test or achievement. You are unique and possess your own talent, passion, and strengths. Don't be afraid to experiment, get help where you need to and do what you loves to do. The world needs your passion, energy, and creativeness. Let's shatter the stress and create a future fueled by purpose, joy, and fulfillment. To the students all over the world.
I believe you are as good as your grades and it's not the parents, let alone the teacher who sets the ladder to high but it is the student. If it comes to it we are our own judge and find it hard to admit that what we want to study isn't possible.
The solution? Do something you really like, you feel passion for, instead of believing that everyone can be an advocate, teacher, minister, bookkeeper, doctor or engineer. There are so many jobs and each one of the has proved to be valuable; otherwise, they wouldn't exist. If your grades are not good, then this study is the wrong one
I wasn't saying it's not good to study but what I emphasize on it the pressure on student to have good grades. They will make you feel like you don't have a good grade you cannot achieve anything. But there are other way someone to achieve success without good grade. Now day there different means of making money especially in the online space. So I see myself in that situation I will not be take it as do or die to get good but but find other ways.
Hi, @mhizta,
Thank you for your contribution. Your post has been manually curated.
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