Exam Diary/Darren Hogan Collinstown Park Community College: I am 18 years of age and have been a student at Collinstown Park Community College, Clondalkin, for the past six years. I am currently preparing for my Leaving Certificate Exams.
Six years have come and gone so quickly, it is only now one realises every day has been an essential building block in preparing for these final exams. The liberation we all once waited for with baited breath is just within our reach except now it seems a little more daunting as we prepare to leave the security of secondary school and move on into the real world.
The Leaving Certificate is somewhat like a passport. Eight or nine examinations determine what is to become of us. It is this fact that brings on unnecessary amounts of stress and pressure. The need to succeed and exceed becomes overwhelming and catapults students into a state of frenzy.
Thankfully our school is staffed with the most amazing teachers, who are always there to control this frenzy. Their teaching, support, advice and friendliness has never gone unnoticed and is very much appreciated. Without them, completing the Leaving Certificate would be impossible.
But sub-consciously the stress and pressure has gotten to us: unexplained aches and pains, irregular sleeping patterns, binge eating and minor ailments, all common topics of our morning conversation.
In addition, the majority of my class have had an ongoing cold since January.
One comforting factor during this stressful time is knowing you have an abundance of friends around you in the same situation. Another great way to relieve stress and clear a congested mind is to stay active and social.
Students should continue to participate in the sports they enjoy and make it obligatory to meet up with their friends a couple of times a week. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body when preparing for exams.
On a more personal level the Leaving Certificate has not caused me that much heartache, I have kept a level head and set what I hope are attainable goals. I hope to get between 350 and 400 points which will allow me to study either English and Sociology in NUI Maynooth or Accounting in IT Tallaght.
English is my first exam today and I say that quite gladly as it is one of my strongest subjects. I see it more as a task than a chore and a great way of easing me into a fortnight of harder and more difficult exams.
At least, that's the theory!