This time every year, celebrations abound throughout the land as parents, family, teachers and matriculants go into a shriek frenzy when the results are released.
And why not? There is every reason to rejoice in the many achievements.
But while one happily shares in the congratulatory atmosphere of those matrics who excelled, a sad consequence of exam results euphoria is the despair and desperation of those who failed to make the grade.
We’ve addressed this issue before, but it is important to do so again.
Those who fell short too quickly relegate themselves as no-hopers, sinking deep into the abyss of depression and an acceptance of a future of self-inflicted mediocrity.
Worse still is the number of beautiful young people who actually commit suicide, unable to overcome the shame of being regarded as second-rate failures.
Modern-day society’s relentless status-befuddled emphasis on achievement “uber alles” has much to do with it, causing much psychological damage to the majority of young people who fall outside the “gifted” ambit.
But that is what it is unfortunately.
All kinds of pacifying words will no doubt be of little comfort to those in a mindset of hopelessness, but read on.
Remember that in the grand scheme of things, matric certificates or a bagful of degrees do not necessarily define you.
Not everybody is destined to become brain surgeons, rocket scientists or academic giants.
Everyone has a unique set of talents. There’s no denying diplomas or degrees are advantageous, but take a step back, get perspective and pull yourself out of the darkness of despondency.
There is a whole world of opportunities out there, such as entrepreneurship, where one’s specific skill set will find a place where a positive frame of mind, hard work and determination can bring success and prosperity.
Take inspiration from the world’s most famous billionaires who dropped out of school or college and made it to the top.
Virgin Active’s Sir Richard Branson left high school at just 16 to start a magazine, and look where he ended up.
Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg built empires after forsaking academic pursuit.
At the age of 19 Orji Uzor Kalu was expelled from a Nigerian university because he was caught spearheading a series of student riots, borrowed $35 from his mother and began trading in commodities such as rice, sugar and palm oil.
His determination turned adversity into opportunity and he became a millionaire by 20. He eventually founded a company with interests in shipping, banking, manufacturing and is listed by Forbes as the 49th richest person in Africa with a net worth of $330 million.
Realistically speaking, of course, these are extreme examples and not every entrepreneur will achieve such great heights.
What it does illustrate though, is that so-called “underachievers” in matric must not allow defeatism to take hold and limit them to a life of ordinariness.
Don’t sell yourself short, just go for it and set yourself free. Find your niche – the opportunities are out there.
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