With happiness running down my spine, I ran out of the door of my house to get into my school van. I was still happy when I reached school, but then I remembered that we were getting our test result that day, and all the happiness vanished from my face.

I was scared to death as I entered the classroom. It was pretty silent despite being full of students. Like them, I also sat at my desk waiting for our teacher to arrive. She came in with the test papers in her hands and, without wasting any time, she gave us our papers. I was shocked to see that I had failed the test.

I came home and cried as I was depressed. My mum noticed this and asked me why I was so upset. I told her that I had failed my test.

She consoled me, “Don’t cry, it happens, and it also indicates that you need to focus more and study more.”

I wiped my tears and thought about it for a while. Mum was right so I started studying day and night. We were having another round of tests in a few days before the final exams. I didn’t waste a single hour of my day and studied hard.

The tests started, and I was positive that I would do well this time. I was so happy that all the questions in all the tests were easy, because I had studied, I knew the answers. The tests ended and, like me, everyone was optimistic that the results would be according to our expectations.

Later, when the tests results came out, I was taken aback – I failed in a couple of subjects! I had no clue how this had happened.

“Why and how did it happen? How could I fail again?” I wondered as it was a blow to my hard work. I could not control myself and burst into tears. All my motivation failed me.

After school, I sat with my mum and cried my heart out to her. She kept listening to me, then she hugged me.

“Dear, maybe you are not having the right approach towards studies and that is why the result was not good. I think you should start all over again. Don’t lose hope, trust in yourself and be patient. Make notes, discuss with friends and take guidance from your teachers. I know my dear, this time, you will do it!” she tried to motivate me.

I got up dejected and went silently to my room. Even though I had failed, I tried not to lose hope. That night, I thought of making a study plan and, after much thought, I came up with a new approach to studies. I was once again full of energy and courage.

For the next few days, I took extra classes from my teachers, discussed various difficult topics with friends and did group studies. I found out that my concept was wrong in many areas, which was evident from the results. Since I had studied on my own, without taking help from anyone, I did not realise my weak points. This time I was satisfied with my preparations since I was improving all my weak areas, which I had never known about before.

Days passed, the final exams drew near and all of us were eager to do our best. I was hopeful that finally I would shine like never before. I put in my best effort in the exams and didn’t let pessimism take over me. Then we had a few days off before the results were to be announced.

On the result day, all of us were feeling nervous. However, I kept myself composed because I remembered that I had done my best and utilised every opportunity to learn.

Finally, the teacher entered the classroom with the report cards in her hands. She called out the names of the students and began distributing the report cards. When she called my name, fear crept over me and my legs shook as I walked over to receive my report card.

I took the report card from the teacher’s hands and came back to my desk. With trembling hands, I opened it. Suddenly, I felt like I was flying in the sky. I had passed all my papers with good marks! Although I didn’t secure any top positions, my result was satisfactory.

“Mum! I passed my exams!” I called out as soon as I came home.

The happiness on her face upon seeing my result was overwhelming.

“I knew you could do it. Your hard work, a positive mindset and a different approach made it all possible!” she said smiling.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 20th, 2024