Hsc Stress

[okok]

I’m feeling overwhelmed and deeply anxious about the upcoming HSC exams. Despite all the time and effort I’ve invested in revising and employing various study techniques, I still feel like I’m struggling to grasp the content fully. The volume of material I need to cover feels overwhelming, and as the exams draw nearer, the pressure only intensifies. Being the first in my immigrant family to aim for high academic achievements, the expectations placed on me are incredibly high. I’m concerned that if I don’t perform well, it will have a significant impact not only on my future but also on my family’s perception. My younger brother will be taking his exams next year, and I’m worried that my results might influence his confidence and our family’s expectations. Throughout high school, I’ve consistently achieved above-average results, which makes the fact that I didn’t perform as well as I hoped in the trials even more discouraging. Despite months of preparation, my trial results were disappointing, and this has only added to my anxiety.

I’m aiming for a 90 ATAR to prove to myself and my family that I’m capable of achieving great things. The pressure to succeed is immense, and it’s challenging not to let it affect my focus and confidence. I’m seeking advice or strategies to manage this stress, better organise my revision, and stay positive as the exams approach

[white knight]

Hi Okok, welcome

I recall an interview with a lady called Kathy Watts. She won a gold medal at I think the 1992 Olympics in cycling. They asked her how she won the race, a long race. She said she was told by her coach that she has to start the race with 100% of effort and get to the front. Then if you think about relaxing a little do the reverse and add 5% more effort, then when you are exhausted and think you have no more strength left, add 5% again and so on. That strategy won her the gold.

This all comes back to 3 things-

• positive thinking
• paced motivation
• family expectations                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             I'd tackle them one at a time

Positive thinking-  with nearly everything you do thats negative there is always a positive. If you miss a bus, thats better than having an accident. If you put on weight then that better than getting cancer. If you do your very best with study and fail your year, then you are more likely to pass next year and so on. The way we think determines our future.

Paced motivation-  My brother used to study non stop for hours as much as 4 or 5 straight. I once said to him... "you spend a lot of time gazing out the window" he replied "yeh, I daydream a lot". So do 30 minute study and 15 minutes break, walk around the block, help someone cook or play with your pet... then you'll be refreshed to study again.

Family expectations-  Migrants have high expectations of their children to succeed. This has nothing to do with their love for you but all to do with finding a better country where opportunities were not present in their homeland. They strive for you to succeed for that reason but there is a limit to your capabilities and that might not appear clear to them. So your challenge is to convince them that you are going to do your very best efforts but if you dont succeed convey to them that you might not be the academic they think you are. Remember that high education will reward you during your lifetime but not all of us can get there. There is nothing dishonourable about not achieving your goals, there is more honour in resetting if needed and finding your ideal career perhaps a step or two below your original plans. In fact a plan B is healthy, I'll explain why.

At 17yo I joined the Airforce. I wanted to be in aircrew on planes but wasnt academically high so chose radio technician. Well that was above my ability or interest also therefore I had no plan B and ended up a librarian, the worst career move of all time for me. Had I had plan B say- aircraft mechanic, I would have been more suited and happy. So a plan B that has demands you can easily cope with is far less stress and will bring you income earlier. Besides, you can always return to high education later on, tell your parents that if and when the time arises.

What do you think of those 3 points?

I'm glad you posted here. We are here 24/7/365, just reply or make a new post and wait until we log on. Here is a interesting link-

https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/staying-well/30-minutes-can-change-your-life/td-p/154525 

TonyWK

[GoldenBlossom]

Hi OP, 

I'm sorry you are stressed about you HSC results. I know that because at this point in your life school and academic validation is a big part of what you understand about the world, which makes this seem like one of the most important, defining moments of your life so far. I also know that you probably won't believe me when I say this, but I want you to try and take it on. The results you get in the HSC are not a reflection of whether you are capable of achieving great things, and they will not have a significant impact on your future. Try to find comfort in the fact that if you get 60% in the HSC, there would still be a pathway to get into the degree you want. 

Also take a moment to think about the expectations that your parents are placing on you and if they really align with your values. Some of the most lost, depressed and unmotivated people I have ever met were those who chose a university degree based on what their parents wanted, rather than recognising that at the end of the day choosing a career path that makes you happy is what was most important. Do you really want to do that university degree or is it what your parents/extended family want you to do? Because $100,000 and 5+ years is a lot of time and money to spend figuring out the answer to that question. If you are truly honest with yourself and let go of other's expectations, do you need the 90+ atar to get into the degree you really want to do? Or do you need it to get into law/medicine course your family wants to tell people that you do?

Your brother's confidence regarding exams is not your responsibility, you are different people. People who worry suffer twice!

Lastly, I really just want you to take a deep breath and know that no matter what happens, if you get 95 or 45 - it is going to be ok. This is not the be all end all. You will enter your ATAR into your university admissions form (of you decide you want to go) and you will literally never look at it again. In a year from now you will have forgotten that it ever existed. It is going to be okay.