The recent release of the 2015 matric exam results were a cause of celebration for many. For those who did not do as well as they hoped they would, the disappointment is hard to swallow.
Education expert, Dr Felicity Coughlan, Director of The Independent Institute of Education, recently shared some insights on how disappointing exam results can be addressed.
“Disappointment is a complex human emotion, as sometimes it is the shattering of a belief that was never realistic in the first place. It could signal the final tumbling of a dream or it could simply be a stumbling block along a planned path,” said Coughlan.
“Like most things in life that feel really difficult as they happen, the extent to which disappointing academic results are life-changing will depend largely on an individual’s reaction. Although it is too late to change what has happened, an honest assessment of what went wrong and taking appropriate action can be the start of great new things,” she added.
According to Coughlan, honest introspection may lead to one of many realisations. In some cases, students may realise that they failed to take their studies seriously enough or that their expectations and aspirations simply do not match the actual opportunities.
“Sometimes a student would’ve chosen a course in line with someone else’s dream or tackled something out of obligation rather than inspiration. For some, their first year of studies may just have been a case of too much, too soon,” she said.
Coughlan believes that disappointment and all its associated emotions of embarrassment, self-doubt, regret and anxiety, can serve as an opportunity. “From this space, one can build real strength of character and embark on a new path,” she said.
She advised students to be honest when asking themselves whether they’ve studied hard enough.
“Figure out what you could have done differently and where things went wrong,” she added.
“And finally, remember that you are not alone in your disappointment. You will be surprised how many people have faced this feeling and have risen to flourish. Share what you feel and you will almost inevitably find someone who really does get it who can help you refocus.”
