The Leaving Cert: Only one of many paths

As young people all over Ireland collect their Leaving Cert results, MyMind intern Kristine Brouder remembers being in their shoes and shares some advice on how to approach the day and beyond.

Every year, when I hear that the Leaving Certificate results are approaching, I can vividly remember the way I felt the year I received mine (I think it’s a feeling that never leaves you).

I had barely slept the night before because of the nerves. All these thoughts raced through my mind when I should have been trying to sleep for the early start the next morning. Would I get enough points for my course? What if I fail? What if I get the lowest points out of all my friends? Should I have studied more?

It was still difficult to get my head around the fact that the last two years would all been summed up in the brown envelope that I was about to receive from my school principal. I think, like everyone else, I had one particular course set in my head that I wanted to do in college and as for my other CAO choices – I wouldn’t have been happy if I got them. I can still remember while I was opening the envelope that it was hard to keep a positive attitude. I kept thinking that I would never go to college and the whole world was going to end.

But it didn’t by far! It’s important to remember that even if you don’t get enough points to get into your dream course, there are plenty of ways in which you can get to do what you want to do in life. CAO points are just one of those options, and in my opinion if you have to work harder for something, you’ll end up appreciating it more in the long run!

Everything happens for a reason and if that means that you don’t get exactly what you want right now, just go with it. Life has a way of working out, and paths can take a completely different turn from what we expected. A saying that has always stuck with me is, ‘What’s for you, won’t pass you by.’

So best of luck to all the Leaving Cert students receiving their results today, and remember that if you don’t see what you were hoping for on that piece of paper, don’t worry! No matter what happens, and no matter what your results are – it’ll all work out.

It’s important not to compare yourself to others as everyone has different abilities, strengths and weaknesses. If you’re worried about the future and are feeling anxious or low, I would strongly recommend talking to someone about it – a family member, a friend or even a school guidance counsellor. There are always people there to listen. It’s important to surround yourself with positive people that can help you through this stressful time. And remember no matter what the outcome, keep those positive vibes going!