Wow, it's been a while.
Hey guys, I'm back after several months of working through the year. In retrospect, I think I've managed to keep my physical and mental wellbeing in check, though there have definitely been instances where my marks fell below the desired result. At the time of writing this post, I have received all of my trial results and am pretty content with my predicted ATAR, as it will get me into the course I want. I'm working hard to boost my exam skills to get a good external mark in the HSC (work hard for scholarships kids! always helps!)
My best to worst subject ranking has not changed much. My better subjects saw improvements in marks, and the worst stayed pretty consistent so they're not going to bring about the Armageddon or anything.
Being positive and approaching the HSC with a determined attitude is very important, but it is important to know that you can cry from time to time. Bottling up emotions is never good, and putting on a brave face without acknowledging disappointment will eventually lead to a breakdown, which is worse in the long-run. So if you're feeling stressed, or less than pleased with your trial results, feel free to have a good cry, or go out for a run. Physical exercise has also been relieving for me,
I know it's been several months since someone last posted on this thread but I'll answer the questions now ^_^
How do you motivate yourself in the harder times?
Especially leading up to trials and the HSC, the final leg of studying can be difficult to study for. The content is all in front of you, your notes are organised and ready to go... but all you want to do is watch YouTube.
What I've found helpful is alternating between my subjects when studying. I particularly love studying Japanese and Economics, so when I get tired of writing English essays, I do bits of study in between. The only exception to this approach is math, as consistent math practice without interruption is what I find commits things to memory best.
Also, I'm lucky to have a very supportive and understanding family and social circle that I ground myself in. A supportive and encouraging environment has helped me out of my slumps and reminded me that not all encouraging words are hollow and overused. Spending time with people I care about has helped me be more positive to the work I do, even if it's for subjects I really don't like.
What are your future goals and aspirations (I saw you are keen to get into Commerce, what draws you to that)?
My future goal is to get into the PR and advertising field in communications. I've always been interested in how effective, concise communication results in projects going smoothly, and how words have impacts and connotations to other people. So, academically, I want to study communication and broaden my skills.
Sport-wise, I want to continue fencing. International competitions are not currently on my list of goals, but who knows, maybe one day
Commerce and economics have overlapping aspects. My love of economics has drawn me to consider a commerce degree (economics double degrees are pretty sparse and don't have much overlap with areas of study other than business). However, I am more of an English and evidence oriented person than math-oriented, so I am more inclined to design/media/communication degrees.
I was in a choir years ago, had loads of fun! Do you practise weekly/do performances often? Maybe we'll see a cover soon
Choir is really fun! Glad to see someone else who enjoys it as well.
Because of the hectic scheduling of HSC study, I have been unable to participate in choir, but I have still been rehearsing with the Senior Vocal group (smaller, sub-unit of choir). I have been going to weekly rehearsals for that, but we don't have regular performances. We had a lot of out-of-school performances three years ago, but since then it's averaged about 3 or 4 performances per year. Our next performance is actually next week, and that will be the last performance I do with them before graduation. Man, that's nostalgic!
In terms of covers, I'm pretty camera shy and self-conscious, so I don't think I'll make one any time soon XD
That's all for now, stay positive guys! We're almost at the finish line!