I may not be the smartest person in the world but I am determined

By: 20 year old male from SA

5 years ago, a guy took an English book from me and said, "I bet my little brother's English is way better than yours!".........And... I believed him.

4 years ago, a guy said to me, "You? A doctor? Far out! Look at your results! *laughter*"............... And... I believed him.

3 years ago, a girl told me, "Look! If I don't know how to answer this question, there is no way you will be able to answer it as well." ............ And... I believed her.

All my life, I achieved results that were only fairly good but ever since the first criticism I received 5 years ago, my results gradually dropped. With my best friend passing away and me falling into a dark pit, I was a successful failure.

I took up foundation and got a GPA of 4 out of 7 with a Pass after supplementary for Chemistry. I thought that was the best I could do.

High Distinction and Distinctions were never in my dictionary.

Everyone thought I was stupid... I was dumb. And that's not all, the worst part was, I thought I was stupid and will never ever achieve big. I looked at myself, and feel a sense of shame, a sense of uselessness.

Not surprisingly, I did not get accepted into the course I wanted. I was devastated. My dad told me, "You have 2 choices. One, repeat a Pre-University course or two, take up an easier course".

I thought for a very long time and finally made the decision that changed my whole life. I never regretted choosing that option.

I flew over to another city, enrolled into a pre-University course and passed with flying colours.

Of course, it wasn't that simple. While doing my course, it was difficult. I struggled but I did not give up. I was determined that I was going to show to everyone that I could do it. The greatest force that kept me moving was my mum's undying support and a few of my best friends. They never looked down on me and they were supportive all the way through.

But of course, nothing works except if I was to co-operate. And I did. I was very determined. I just kept pushing myself. Over and over again the situation convinced me to give up but I did not!

I told myself, I am going to start a brand new life! I looked around and finally applied into Medical Science, flew over to Adelaide and turned over a new leaf.

Exams came and go and results were out. I was nervous. This is my first exam ever since I started my brand new life.

I remember my mum and a very close friend of mine, who told me, work hard! You can achieve big. We have faith in you.

I did...And I did it.

I got a GPA of 6.5 out of 7.

I looked back into my life again. All the criticism that I have received, is now not only an encouragement for me to do better, but something that tells me that no one can make you who you are.

I've learnt that no one will be able to define me. Everything is in me. Everything is up to me. Whatever I choose, whoever I want to be, it's all up to ME!

I may not be the smartest person in the world but I am determined.

Looking for more info on how to cope with exam results and leaving school? Why not check out some ReachOut.com fact sheets and stories for inspiration...

• Life choices - What happens after finishing school (Fact sheet)
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• When things dont go as planned(Story)