Keep calm, the final exam is approaching
MOST OF THE SPECIES OF MY GENERATION HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO EXPERIENCE THE ‘FINAL EXAM’ AS A LITTLE INCONVENIENCING ANNUAL RITUAL THAT HAD TO BE OBSERVED WITH MINIMAL DISCOMFORT
No, it’s not the umpteenth advice missile fired at the vulnerable clan of exam-going kids. They are already submerged by a deluge of hyperbolic dos and don’ts, getting them battle ready. After all, exam prep up is being done at a war-footing these days. Students have to first scale the formidable peak of stress, societal benchmark of success and the insurmountable summit of parental expectation before their actual tryst with books. When did this annual process of academic evaluation metamorphose into a ruthless monster, threatening the tranquillity of innocent minds?
An aggressively competitive environment, alleviated toughness quotient, tech distractions, fragile coping mechanism, increased psychological sensitivity, unhealthy lifestyle, one may come up with a list of fancy and complex sounding raison d’être. But, as a frenzied mother of an 11-year-old, I feel the real hurricane in this troubled exam weather is brought about by the twin bundle of frayed nerves called parents.
Most of the species of my generation have been fortunate enough to experience the ‘final exam’ as a little inconveniencing annual ritual that had to be observed with minimal discomfort. Its only significance being promotion to a brand new classroom, browsing through unfamiliar, perhaps interesting set of books and flaunting the coolness quotient of a senior year.
Bearing no resemblance whatsoever to the ‘on the edge’ parents, including yours truly, of today, our parents had an understated and genteel approach towards this four letter word, exam. Yes, it was simply so, a yearly evaluation procedure, no less no more. Their concern manifested in few simple phrases like did you get the final date sheet, when are exams commencing, get serious about studies now, revise well and do your best. An exception, my mother in fact, encouraged me to take short breaks in between prolonged study sessions to freshen up the mind. Even the prefix of ‘board’ before exams didn’t bring a tsunami in the tranquil mindset of parents earlier.
Though the challenging stature of the board exam wasn’t undermined at that time also and did merit extra efforts but it wasn’t made a phobia per se. The positive and poised attitude of our parents acted as a shield against unwarranted stress and anxiety.
Agreed, they had far fewer distractions in the form of mobile, internet, play stations, social media etc to combat and keep us away from. But then, they practised what they preached. How can I counsel my son not to keep calm in the face of exams, when I am all jittery? When I am the one still getting nightmares about ill attempting a crucial exam paper? And it’s not déjà vu, as I was the most carefree lass in my school days, the one who face timed books prior to exams only. Unfortunately as parents, we are struggling to create a conducive environment for our kids to confidently write an exam, just one, of many that life will bring on.
We need to play a constructive role in their academic growth, be aware of their progress, strengths and weaknesses and guide them, not only during exams but all through the year. But first and foremost, folks gather your wits, take a deep breath and keep calm, it’s exams ahead!