Holding Up A Burning Torch For Life

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! The time is indeed here when we close another chapter of our lives. For some of us exams have been all new, for others like myself, the basic routine of the old clock at the front of the room has already worked a relaxed familiarity into our minds- in other words we’re the ‘old birds’. J

      We’ve all passed the stage of shaky hands and wild thoughts to ‘run for it while there’s still time’ when the student portal wasn’t open to access results. And, have already moved towards what our next step’ll be. Sixth form, UG, A-Levels, studying abroad, entering the work force, whatever it may be we should be proud that we’ve all accomplished something. We’ve endured the late night studying, slapping ourselves to stay awake in class, the effort put into SBA’s and IA’s, and sore bottoms after a 3 hour exam. Whatever our results may look like, it’s no use crying over spilt milk, ’tis the past. Instead, welcome the future with open arms.

       I’ve always told my brother, success comes with the three D’s: ‘Dedication, Determination and Discipline’. Use your results as a motivator, something that inspires you to drive on. It unravels your weaknesses so that you can correct them by trying your best the next time. Every one of us has a special treasure within us, the brain, so there’s no such thing as ‘I’m stupid’ or ‘I can’t do this’. Say ‘YES!!!!’ be confident, ‘I know I can’. Our Credo at President’s College has the words ‘We Can! We must! We will!’ Just try; it’s not the end of the world if you pick up a text book. I know the ‘million pages’ inside looks intimidating, but go a little at a time everyday and you’ll be okay.

      We can’t get into a university without putting extra effort, neither can being lackadaisical, or not having any goals set; it takes a lot of time spent studying and the ambition to get something out of life. We want to see social mobility taking place, to climb the rungs of that ‘social ladder’ and sit at the tippy top. We want success, a great job, a comfortable life, but we must work for it. Henry David Thoreau once said, ‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined’. Following your dreams is the only way you can achieve them. As you grow, learn and mature in life you’ll make adjustments to those dreams. But, that’s fine as long as you continue following them. And most of all don’t waste your time trying to live someone else’s life. Whatever interests you pursue it. Time is limited on this Earth. Don’t let the noise of other people’s thinking drown out your own voice...shout it out!!! Follow your heart and intuition; they seem to always know the way.

     As you proceed through life, remember that nothing but your best is acceptable. In everything you do, do it with a willing heart, a heart that is free of malice. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing a letter, cooking, doing chores, conducting an experiment; it should be done in a way that makes you feel proud when you’re done. Nothing in this world comes easy. Who said climbing that mountain was gonna be a walk in the park? You have to fight your way to the summit of ‘Success Mountain’. You stumble, you fall, you’re bruised and heartbroken, but be persistent...keep trying because when you get there, that euphoric feeling you’ll have will indeed make it all worth it.

     Mahatma Gandhi also said (and one of my favourite quotes) ‘You must be the change you wish to see in the world’. When people look at you they must see you standing out, you shining amongst others. They must be able to say, ‘Ah! This is someone worth admiring....a role model’. When you die people must remember you for the good that you did, the change that you made in this world. We want to be leaders; we want to set an example for others to follow, we want to cross mountains and conquer things, a desire to make a difference in society. Let’s not leave hope in Pandora’s Box this time. We’ll walk through life together with that ‘burning torch’, impacting people’s lives and making a way for hope when there seems none at all.

Best of luck in ALL of your future endeavours!!!! J