Never Give Up

BY ISRRA MOHAMED, GRADE 12

There are really no secrets to surviving life at high school, but I do have some advice to reduce stress and have as much fun as possible. My experiences at school were not always the greatest, but I have learned many things along the way. In Grade 9, my best friend and older sister helped me to adjust, but my first day of school was still horrible! I couldn’t find my classes, I spilled my pop in my school bag, I didn’t talk to anyone and I was teased about my appearance. By Grade 10, I lost the few friends I had, started skipping classes and watched my marks drop drastically. In Grade 11, I tried to turn things around. I went to classes and completed my work, but I was still unhappy with my grades, and with myself in general. By Grade 12, there was a lot more pressure. Was I going to graduate on time? Should I pay for grad photos? Should I go to prom? Should I apply to college? In the end, I did graduate, but I really did not feel prepared for post-secondary studies. Then, I heard about the Turning Point program at Mohawk College where I was able to take the Grade 12 English course I need for college as well as try the dual credit program. I am proud to say that my efforts have paid off! I will be starting college in September and am very excited to begin the next chapter of my life – preparing for success in the real world! In addition to thanking myself for persevering, I also owe a big thank you to my family for always believing in me, to my teachers who encouraged me to pursue my dreams, and to all the haters in school who motivated me to be a better person. So, just remember, whenever you start to doubt your abilities, that you CAN do anything you set your mind to. Don’t let others push you down – just keep up the good work and try your best!