Sometimes, it is nearly impossible to feel as though JC life is not an endless time loop. From managing an entire swim team, studying to planning various school-wide events as part of ad-hoc committees, is without a doubt mentally exhausting and physically challenging. For me, my greatest struggle was inculcating the habit of constantly reminding myself of the need to establish that intricate balance between managing such tasks and still being able to put myself first.
Beyond anything, the first year of my JC journey has been a constant struggle and served as a learning process for me to find out who I am as an individual. The biggest takeaway if anything, is that results really do not define who you are as a person. Throughout all the challenging exam preparations and tests, I constantly stressed that I was not doing enough, that I was not studying enough, that I was not enough. Maturing into this year is realizing that I am indeed, actually enough. Beyond the grades I get, the leadership opportunities I am offered, that who I am as a person actually mattered to the people I loved. So, do not get carried away by the stresses of the academic rigor of JC, focus on the little blessings that you can find in your life.
Of course, anyone who said that JC was carefree would be lying. Personally, the myriad of worries went beyond just academic validation. From worrying about my future, the endless “what ifs”, they were all silenced in the split second when I chose the subject combination that I wanted to study. It doesn’t matter what others say. Sure, one can listen to their advice on the different combinations that are prospective choices. At the end of the day, as cliche as it is, what you are interested in studying, presides over all else. Play to your strengths and keep an open mind to others that may not have been encountered in secondary school, like Economics.
For me, the greatest pitfall that I took months to climb out of, was snowballing my assignments during peak periods. During competition season, as an athlete, you will naturally choose to prioritize the sport and focus wholeheartedly to prepare for the competition you are heading for.
Once again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The only thing wrong is, if you make the conscientious choice to neglect your studies in the pursuit of your holistic developments. Do not procrastinate and adopt a healthy consistent study schedule, even in your busiest hours. It will pay off.
By: Eleanor
Eleanor secretly believes that she was a fish in her last life. Saying that she dedicated several hours a week into swim training would be a severe understatement. With such heavy dedication comes the severe lack of sleep. With two eye bags as gray as the thunderclouds, it is no doubt that she walks around like a panda. But with adequate caffeine injected into her system, (we are talking about 2 shots of espresso here), she is no doubt a bubbly and cheerful figure to all. She adopted her life view from clowns, to laugh in the face of setbacks and smile through the most difficult times. If you wish to be like Eleanor, just read on for tips.