Academic Burn Out

I used to be someone who was at the top of her class. I've always had a rank above five till my ninth grade. It's not that I felt pressured to study that hard but people appreciated me best when I did. And I craved that appreciation and validation from my parents, teachers and relatives, even if it meant unending sleepless nights and constant stress. I wasn't particularly exceptional at any co-curricular activity or sports event. I was just in the middle of everything- not that poor but not that good either. Studying was the one thing that people accepted I was really good at. So I did everything to keep their beliefs intact.

But in my tenth grade, academic burnout hit me and it hit me hard. I felt like I was literally draining myself too much. I lost the will to study. I barely passed my model exams. Tenth grade is believed to be a turning point in every single student's life- the phase where they're supposed to work the hardest. But I couldn't focus. I couldn't study like I used to. Having studied ICSE till grade ten, and my tenth grade being amid the COVID-19 pandemic, our board exams were cancelled and our previous grades were taken for the final result. Hence, I was saved. I cannot imagine what my situation would've been if that exam had taken place.

It was then that I decided I was done pushing myself to the extreme. Despite much opposition from my relatives and my teachers, I switched schools and chose the Arts stream. And now, even though one particular aunt of mine tells me that I have wasted my potential right to my face every single time she sees me, I chose B.A. English Language and Literature. Why? Simply because I love it.

Despite what people think, even studying Literature is not such an easy course. And no, it is not the hardest one in existence either. I still get fed up sometimes studying it. The semester exams that are going on right now are almost like a nightmare phase to me. But at the end of the day, I'm happy that I chose this course. And that's what I ultimately aspire to be in life.

Happy.

Comments

The Root Cause of my Obsession with Greek Mythology- 'The Song of Achilles'

When most people my age are asked about how they first came into contact with Greek mythology, their answers usually end up being Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson book series. But in my case, it's not that. And I don't necessarily mean this as a flex but what made me fall head over heels for the complex tapestry of Greek mythology is Madeline Miller's (absolutely brilliant writer, she is) 'The Song of Achilles.' And oh man oh man, the way that book is one of the most soul-crushing yet beautiful literary pieces to ever exist on this planet! It's the way you know that the story of Achilles, the famous Greek demi-god, is an absolute tragedy, yet Miller's story-writing skills make you pray to every form of divinity to not let it end so. And I think that's an elevated level of tragic experience to the readers in itself- to know how it ends, to know it's not actually rainbows and unicorns, yet (YET!!) to be forced to wish upon every dying star to save the...

Master Your Mind: 5 Techniques To Improve Your Memory

In the vast landscape of our cognitive abilities, memory is a cornerstone, having immense influence over our academic, professional and personal endeavours. The key to having a sharper memory is not merely memorising everything, but rather enhancing our overall cognitive capability by training our minds using various memory techniques. Some of these techniques I practise (or try to practise) include: Mastering Visualization: Imagine a bright pink strawberry, glistening with water droplets. The vividness of this mental image is precisely the potency of our visualization power. This technique involves creating mental pictures that are not only clear but also strikingly memorable. When given the task of remembering items, try to create a sequence of mental images that are easy to recall which will be imprinted in your head. Mnemonic Devices: These devices turn seemingly complex information into easily digestible nuggets. Acronyms, rhymes and associations are included in these devices. For...

Identity Crisis of an Eighteen-year-old Girl- A Poem (sort of?!)

"Introduce yourself to me", said my professor And in answer to her question, I was unable to get past three mere sentences. Now you see, I could tell her my name, my place, and my age. But then I freeze- my lips parted in distraught. I try to conjure up something- anything- That may be of interest To those who listen to me. But my mind goes blank And my mouth stays open Leaving me with the reality that I do not who the hell I am. I think of the person I am In front of my friends. Understanding and kind- Someone who loves them To the depths of the world. Someone who is up to any crime At any time If they wish for it. Someone of great advice To abstain from grave danger- A steering wheel and a brake Both combined into one. I think of the person I am In front of my father Obedient and soft-spoken Always complying with his rules. I think of the person I am In front of my mother A bit too arrogant And of a sharper tongue She must've wished at times If she could cut. I think ...

Allow Ann to Babble, Please!

Search This Blog