Change is Better than a Rest

Let’s talk change. There’s that old saying ‘Change is better than a rest’ and after spending 5 years in secondary education; I have found myself beginning to understand the sheer extent of what that means. The truth is, I expected some form of change following stepping out of the world of being a ‘pupil’, wrapped in uniforms and constantly disappointed that you’re not at Hogwarts (although secretly pretending you are anyway); and moving onto being a ‘student’, studying of your own choice and in the subjects that you think you like at that moment.

But here I am. Student. Having just completed something like 16000 exams on various random subjects; having poured all my efforts into one large bucket and splashed it all over my work throughout the past two “very important life changing” years. I’m standing here. Student. And, here’s the catch – the lie they’ve told us for five whole years – it’s all exactly the same!

‘These two years are “very important life changing” years. Make sure your clothes are suitable to the sixth form guidelines. Congratulations on taking the very core of subjects, Chemistry; I’m sure you’ll enjoy balancing hydrocarbons with the mass of two electrons and a double hydrogen mercury-silver ionic bond. That’s a favourite every year. And if you struggle, look back on calculus and I’m sure you’ll be fine. Sorry, what? No, you’re not a wizard. But you need to be! to pass the upcoming modular examinations – they’re in January.’

I am tired now. Really very tired. There’s no sympathy for the mentally tired though. You have to be puffing and panting before anyone even notices, and even then you’d be lucky for the support. Everyone tells everyone to stop moaning, and just get on with it. But I want to ask now; is that all we ever do? Just get on with it. Moan meaninglessly and never ask questions like ‘What on Earth are we doing?’. Don’t stop; it’ll be better soon. But don’t you remember? Wasn’t it supposed to be better yesterday? Never mind, because it must be better tomorrow. What if, and this is mad to say, but what if tomorrow never comes?

Okay, slow down. I know that the term ‘best’ or ‘better’ isn’t a good way to describe anything in life. And I’m not saying I want my life to be a roller coaster, or a pleasant trip to the beach, or a James Bond film. All I’m asking is for a little consideration toward the mental stability of people. And perhaps the odd question ‘Are we going about this in the correct way?’. If we are, we are – there’s no problem. But then at least if something is flagged, we can change it. And naturally, people should be told the truth about their future – even if it’s not what they want to hear. They need the knowledge; they need to know what they’re deciding. I know a lot of this is an attempt at reassurance; an objective to get you through something, if you like. But I’ve never been fond a person who tells you the end is just over that hill, when ‘just’ doesn’t come into it.