Marks are not everything
The Meghalaya Board of School Education or MBoSE recently declared the results of the HSSLC Science, Commerce and vocational streams for 2023 and now students are eagerly awaiting the results of the SSLC and HSSLC (Arts) examinations.
Toppers and achievers are in the limelight with felicitations and awards galore for them. They are the talk of the town and the red carpet will be laid out for them whichever colleges they visit for admission purpose.
But let us spare a though for those who could not achieve significant results or those who could not clear their exams. What about them? These students must be going through agonising times contemplating their future.
Do distinction marks or positions really matter? It may matter to some students or teachers or parents/guardians but does it guarantee a successful career? Are marks the only criteria to judge a student’s academic status?
There is a school of thought that believes that the stiff competition for good marks often leads to stress and health complications among students. So should MBoSE continue with the existing trend of merit lists? At least, CBSE has done a good thing by doing away with the system of publishing the list of toppers. The MBoSE could take a cue from the CBSE and adopt a similar strategy.
A student with a good career plan will always succeed in the long run. So all students should plan properly for their future also remember that “marks are not everything”.
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Here’s an advice for parents whose children couldn’t score well in the exams: Do not rob them of their self-confidence and self-esteem. Tell them it’s just an exam and that it is OK and you will not judge them. They are destined to do bigger things. One exam will not change their life. Tell them that they’re loved, no matter what.