Let's Talk About...Year 12 (Before & After)

Year 12. I still have nightmares from this after experiencing it a year ago, I'll admit it.

But, I got through it and now it's the time where most teenagers are going through year 12 exams or are almost starting them and are under a great deal of pressure.

Good luck guys, you're going to need it.

But, one thing that I made sure to do during this time are some simple things to keep me calm and relaxed. So, I'm going to share my experience throughout year 12, the exams and after when I completed school.

DURING YEAR 12

Study at Home!

No one ever really prepared me for the work that I would have to commit to throughout my last year of school. I was one of those kids that only did work in class and never did it at home, which could've helped me more throughout exams. In year 12, I actually did homework and actually studied, which I never thought I'd do. Most of the time, I winged most of my SAC's and tests (that may come a surprise to some people, but it's true) but the minute I hit year 12, I knew I couldn't do that anymore. I had to work and I had to work hard (by the way, screw you health and human development). Studying at home was different for me, but once I got into a rhythm, it was a lot easier to remember things at school and just become accustom to it.

So, my advice for this is to please make sure you study, but do not over study and work yourself into the ground. Find a balance, write a calendar of what subjects to study for with each week, give yourself a day off to relax and enjoy yourself.

Do Something Fun!

One thing I made sure I did during year 12 was have an outlet instead of focusing all of my (useful) energy on studying 24/7. I participated in my local theatre company, then I played at my local basketball association. Of course you don't have to do what I did but if it's gym, football, netball, dance or even your job, make sure you have something you can go to and have fun with. Although if you decided to go out on the town or go out with friends on the weekend, be weary that you can still look over notes you've written or even read a chapter of that english book. Revision is key.

Ask your teacher for help!

I quickly want to thank the teachers that had to put up with my mental breakdowns after looking at my scores for my SAC's and tests, you guys are the bomb diggity.

Your teachers are going to be your lifesavers throughout year 12. RESPECT THEM. Listen to their advice, listen to what they are trying to tell you. It will help you in the end and make them feel better too.

Yes, I understand that sometimes you don't get along with specific teachers, but that doesn't stop you from asking other teachers who teach the same subject advice on what to do or study.

Teachers work hard to make sure we do our best.

Listen and learn, children.

EXAMS

Exams are known to be scary, intimidating and anxiety provoking, (I raise my hand and admit I felt all three things I've just mentioned), but, I've asked others and researched on some tips that seemed to help others and that might make things easier for you.

Wear your school uniform or something comfortable!

When doing exams, make sure you're in comfortable clothes! You're going to be in there for 3-2 hours with every exam, so make sure you're in comfy clothing or whatever you're more confident in.

Another tip is to even wear your school uniform. Think about it, you've studied at school in them and learned everything whilst wearing them, it's not a dumb idea, but it's entirely up to you.

But if I can tell you anything, it's to make sure you're comfortable.

Before exams, practise exams!

This is a must. However much you want to disagree, I'm telling you right now.

DO A PRACTISE EXAM FOR EACH SUBJECT.

Seriously, if I didn't do the practise exams I would've hauled ass out of there when the real ones occurred (pardon the french). This part is essential for anyone, unless you're not doing exams then kids you've made a smart choice (I'm somewhat kidding when I say that).

However don't do a practise exam from the previous year 12's, do one from three years ago or even five years ago, that way, you can see and almost predict what will be one your exam.

So, just in case you didn't understand that; DO PRACTISE EXAMS.

When you start to freak out!

This happened to me in every exam, I was on a roll and then lost it halfway into the exam and wanted to change what I wrote. Of course, it was too late. But what I did, and it may not work for you, but take a deep breath, drink some water, go to the toilet, take a breather and chill. Once you have a clear mind set in your exam, hopefully things will flow, if not, dot point down what your trying to say and see what happens. Don't worry guys, you've got this. I believe in you all.

AFTER YEAR 12

Now, I know that half of you know where you want to go, whether it be Uni, TAFE, an apprenticeship etc, you know the path you want to take for your career. But, if you're anything like I was, you came up with some lame thing to shut people up when they asked you want you wanted to do with your life, only because you didn't know what you wanted to do, and you know what?

That's completely okay to not know.

On average, people change their careers five times throughout their life time. You have the rest of your life ahead of you to figure out what you want to do. Teachers and some parents build a persona around Uni being the best thing you can do, but, guess what? Uni isn't for everyone.

If you want to work at the job you've had since you were 14, do it. It's no one else's life but your own. Make the most of it. Do what YOU want to do.

Exams aren't the "be all and end all", you can always go to Uni at mature age. There are so many pathways into the courses you want to do, it just means you have to work harder.

And if you've been accepted to Uni but you're not ready to go yet? Take a gap year. Travel and earn money, then when you're ready, go and achieve what you want in life. No one should force you, it's all up to you in the end.

You can achieve anything you set your mind to, never forget that. I did along the way, and still do some days. But, I'm loving my life at the moment. I'm earning money, I get to spend time with my family and I get to write this blog and help others through their issues and share my advice with people that need it.

School is only a small part of your life, don't let it consume you. You have much more time ahead of you in the future you can think about.

So, good luck to year 12's and some year 11's doing exams. Breathe, and remember, exams aren't everything.

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