Stamped in Stone?

To students, teachers, and parents alike-

“Results Declared,” the headlines say, all of them. It’s that, rather dreaded and dreadful, time of the year again. Exam results announced. Results are never really awaited. Are they? You sure have been through the anxiety this phase brings, albeit a topper. I don’t mean to trigger but do you remember the damned server getting stuck, the nosy Mr. Sharma eager to know your grade; the ringing of the phone for the umpteenth time, and at last that moment when the hustle-bustle recedes the view and a numbing silence blankets us as the site finally loads? Of course, you do. We’ve all gone down this abyss. That sinking feeling is real. Would I like a piece of paper defining my capabilities? I certainly wouldn’t. It is not about the marks, it’s about the power they seem to have. The power to decide our fate; because one board certificate is going to be my nemesis, right? Sure.

Years have passed since I appeared for my board exams. Commonly, it doesn’t even matter which board we’re talking about, it’s ‘the board year’, like that has any meaning. Ye saal toh board exams hai na (this is a board year, isn’t it)? Again it appears to me like an ingrained and acceptable version of small talk thrown the student’s way. Coming back to the point, it’s not something we forget, do we? Why hasn’t this faded away like the marks of the unending weekly tests we wrote? This hasn’t died down and keeps coming back because this is what trauma looks like. It is not a one-time thing, especially if you’ve got a sibling or a younger one at home. Without choice, you revisit this uncherished memory of getting cataloged in one block and being stamped in stone. Clear as day, the tension is not just felt, it is visible.

Let’s rethink what this pedestal is that we hold students on to? They struggle and toil to prove themselves. All this, for what? Sadly, a lot of students do what they do to save face, to not fail, to not look dumb, to not be looked down at, and to feel accepted. Then again, where’s the learning? Exams originated, to assess one’s learning with regards to various disciplines, so one could improve their skill. Education should be about learning, but I think the system is far from that today. Did you know that Alfred Binet designed the IQ test to identify students who were not benefitting from the public schools so that new educational programs that worked effectively could be designed! It’s gnarly how we, intelligent humans, twist ideas.

Dear students, I know this stinks. This isn’t going to change the grade from fail to pass or going to get you the approval you crave but I need you to know this; a sheet of paper doesn’t define you. If a few words can bring you warmth and comfort, know I’m here for you. I’m here to tell you, it’s okay. It is not the end of the world. Do not let this drag you down.

Fixed beliefs have stripped young, impressionist minds off of their self-esteem, their will to learn, and their will to live. Why is it that every ‘educated’ person has their ‘board GPA’ at their fingertips. This you, yourself can not deny how-much-ever progressive. So what do we mean when we say, some of us make it, and do we really? You tell me, have you not had headaches or felt the stress and pressure? If someone has looked down upon you or/and has talked down to you, you exactly know what I’m talking about. The pressure to excel and prove yourself is real. The burden of expectations has been distressing enough to bring about a mental health crisis. Terms like stress, anxiety, and depression roll out of tongues round the clock. This problem is much bigger than a string of exams. It’s a mindset we’re dealing with.

You’re not a nobody if you fail and scoring high does not make you a somebody. It’s vital to shun the deep-rooted belief of associating our marks with our abilities. Marks are simply a measure but today that’s been crumpled by the system too. Students are taught to reproduce textbook material, word by word. Every concept explanation is accompanied by potential exam questions that have been repeated over the years. Study to score has taken over studying to learn. Marks and skills are two very different things. Innovation will find expression- through you and me. This awareness is the first step towards owning your narrative; it’s saying, “Okay this is the situation right now but now it’s time I take charge of the reins, and if I do, then this will change.” Nobody’s asking you to change the world, it begins with you. Putting in the effort makes us better skilled. It was always about effort, not an innate ability. Ergo, via the time, effort, and energy you invest; you decide your value. Truth be told, you’re a somebody when you go all in.

Sincerely working,

a learner.