Dear Editor,
I wish to offer a bit of reassurance for those candidates who may not have done so well at CSEC. I graduated in November 2011 and although I did fairly well, I may not have acquired the results I desired. Reflecting on those years I would say that I was a bit disappointed in myself and was a bit apprehensive about sharing my results with my family. I remember I was so nervous that I asked a schoolmate to view my results online; I was also unable to gain access to the site due to the fact that the servers were packed. Although I have had other academic struggles here and there, for instance in Sixth Form, I resolved to put all that behind me, and while it still serves as a reminder, I must say it fuelled where I am presently, a third year student at the University of Guyana.
Although it has not been an easy journey, I can nevertheless say I am pleased for the moment with where I am personally, while I am cognizant of the fact that there is still room for improvement. ‘Bad’ CSEC results are not the end of the world, which is not to say that sub-par results are acceptable, but I would urge students not to get too discouraged. What they decide to do next is up to them.
Finally in taking the next steps whatever they may be I encourage the less successful students to work harder, whether at another academic institution, in family life or even at a regular job, because it’s only going to get tougher from here on. CSEC examinations are not the final lap, merely the beginning. Once more I’d like to urge students not to be too anxious. While it may perhaps be a bit embarrassing and yes, their parents may be disappointed or even upset, I recommend they share their results as this is simply a passage from one step to another. If at first we don’t succeed, we must try and try again.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
