After two years mixed up in online learning, social distancing restrictions, and countless isolation periods, the countdown is finally on to the HSC written exams.
With English Paper 1 now less than a week away, owner and head tutor of The Study Hub, Fibera Keigaldie, assures recent graduates that they’re not on this emotional rollercoaster alone.
“The HSC is stressful and there’s no denying that. The pressure of the overall mark and results, the work pace and load can feel overwhelming and because of this, students often feel lost, confused and not sure where to start when preparing or studying for the HSC,” she said.
“This can lead to stress and anxiety, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to feel this way and know that you’re not the only one out there feeling like this too.”
Though exam time might lend itself to cramming, Ms Keigaldie wants to remind everyone that now is the most important time to maintain a well-rounded approach to studying.
“We often underestimate the power of what I call the 3 R’s: rest, reward and reflection,” she said.
“There’s no point going to an exam if you feel exhausted and burnt out. Not only does rest help you improve your ability to recall but also your overall mood and stress levels.
“Remember to make time to also do the things you enjoy as a reward for the hard work you’re putting into your studies so you feel inspired and motivated to walk into your exams confidently.
“Remember there’s something to learn from every lesson, so if you feel like something didn’t go your way, go back reflect and think about a way you can either improve or do better next time.”
When it comes to managing the inevitable stress that comes with your final exams, it’s imperative to remember that as much as it may feel like it, the HSC is not the be all and end all.
“There’s a huge misconception that getting a high ATAR is the only way to get into uni or land your dream job. That’s not true, as I myself didn’t get a great ATAR. I still managed to get to uni, complete my degree and land multiple dream jobs and now helping other students feel confident while thriving at school as a tutor,” Ms Keigaldie said.
“Be clear from the start what results you would like to achieve and then work out what you need to do to get as close to your desired results. Remember there are so many different avenues to reach your goal. ATAR is only one of them.”
The first exams of the 2022 HSC period begin on Wednesday, October 12.
Cassidy Pearce
Cassidy Pearce is a news and entertainment journalist with The Western Weekender. A graduate of the University of Technology Sydney, she has previously worked with Good Morning Macarthur and joined the Weekender in 2022.