When I was doing my matriculation, I frequently heard from my elder siblings and cousins, who were then university students, that their studies were very tough. They had to do almost all of it on their own in the university, while their time at college was the most enjoyable period of their academic journey, and FSc was just a piece of cake.

So, I was looking forward to starting my FSc as soon as possible, along with enjoying college life. But when I actually became an FSc student, the whole thing turned out to be very scary. There was a huge syllabus to be covered. Every book stole so much of my time. All the fun stuff almost vanished from my life and I literally had to study 24/7.

No, no I’m not a dull or lazy student, instead, I’m good at studies and I liked all the subjects but the syllabus was too lengthy. I liked chemistry the most and physic the least.

The college routine along with regular coaching centre was very hectic. I felt like a ball being tossed up between the college and the coaching centre. It made me so tired every day that I had to skip lots of topics and chapters, hoping to study them right before the exams.

I stuck to my promise for the first three months, but then again my procrastination started. I began to make lame excuses to myself: ‘I’m so tired today,’ ‘Why complete this chapter today when I have so much time ahead?’ ‘What is the point in depriving myself of fun and relaxation when everyone else is having it?’

The whole year went by that way. And when the exams approached and I opened the things I had left to be studied later, time got wings from somewhere and started to fly!

Anyway, my first year papers went excellent and the result was also good enough to make the whole family happy. I secured the highest marks among my friends.

When the second year started, I made a promise to myself that I would make a timetable and study accordingly from the very first day. That way I won’t have to worry about covering too much syllabus just before the exams. I didn’t join any coaching centre this time and decided to go along learning the syllabus as it was being taught at the college. I stuck to my promise for the first three months, but then again my procrastination started.

I began to make lame excuses to myself: ‘I’m so tired today,’ ‘Why complete this chapter today when I have so much time ahead?’ ‘What is the point in depriving myself of fun and relaxation when everyone else is having it?’

The same mistake was repeated, though, unintentionally. Although I kept studying daily, the small chunks I did were not enough to complete the syllabus in time, let alone doing any revision.

When the month of April arrived, there was a rumour on almost daily bases that the date sheet had been announced. Finally, it actually came. Alas! No amount of regret could stop time from running wildly.

I felt so sorry in front of Allah, the most Benevolent, for not keeping my promise properly. But then I found the courage, a spark to study intensely.

The first paper went very well, and I have this belief that if your first paper goes well, all the rest will also turn out well. Yes! It proved true and all the papers went pretty good, at least in my opinion.

But it goes without saying that my weakest performance was in Physics. Don’t tell my mum please! Now I am waiting for the results and hope for a better one this time!

Before bidding farewell to FSc, I advise you all juniors out there — make real strong promises to yourself from the start of the year and stick to them firmly. Be determined!

Now I can happily chant: “Goodbye FSc!”

Published in Dawn, Young World July 1st, 2017