As I’m typing this, it just hit me that it’s been 10 years since I took my SPM results! No points for guessing my age now (haha).
I vaguely remember that day. I was happy about seeing all of my friends again after months of absence but at the same time, I was really anxious about my results. I don’t mean to sound boastful but I felt the pressure of wanting to maintain my streak of straight A’s for every major exam throughout my schooling life. Yes, I was a nerd. I played by the rules and I considered myself an achiever. My parents didn’t even put that kinda pressure on me. It could be a middle child syndrome. Who knows?
My results seemed like the most important thing to me then because I was hoping to apply for scholarships. And yes, the results do matter in this aspect because they serve as your first ticket to getting that scholarship, among other things. So for those of you who did superbly well in SPM, I congratulate you for all the hard work and time put into your studies. And I sincerely hope that you get that scholarship you’ve been gunning for.
That was what my straight A’s had gotten me: a partial scholarship to study ADP (American Degree Program) at SEGi University College. Just in case you wanted to know, I majored in Psychology and Communications.
But what about the rest of you who didn’t do as well as you hoped? I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times but for the millionth and one time, it’s not the end of the world! As a matter of fact, it’s only the beginning.
I was in science stream back in high school because I had dreams of becoming a doctor but despite all of my A’s, here I am now, not doing anything science related. I am saying this because your SPM result is not a gauge of who you can potentially become in the future. I am who I am today not because of the amount of A’s I had gotten in SPM but the choices I made along the way (post SPM).
The path that you’re gonna take from here on out is what matters most. Look forward to the great and exciting journey ahead of you. This is the time for you to explore your skills and interests. Weigh out your options, seek advice and embark on something that might take you closer to your dreams. That’s where your focus should be, regardless whether you did well or not in SPM.
So, I guess the answer to the question in the title is nah, not really.
Having said that, for those of you who are still in school, stay in school! The results may not matter much but education is important. On top of that, the knowledge, experiences and memories gained are priceless. As you grow older, these will make it into the list of things you wish you could but can’t relive.
Lastly, all the best to you and remember, to choose wisely.
X,
Megan.
photos via Jon Teo
