It all started with STPM

Yesterday was the most awaited day by all form 6 students. That stressed situation just makes the fine weather seems so dull. I understand that feeling since I too went through this as well as my other friends out there. I was in the first batch of semester system (2012/2013) and all the teachers said it was easier to score compare to the previous years. But the result showed something else instead!

Form 6 will mostly turn out to be the last option for high school graduates. One because of the history which doesn’t seem to convince us of scoring flying colors and another because we don’t have an idea on what to study. There are even some who joined Form 6 as an escape from parents nagging. I ended up here because I was standing at a dead end and suddenly a street light shine upon me giving hope. That street light was my uncle who was an art stream student who scored 4.0 flat. He is an UM law graduate so of course, his debate won. Neither my parents nor my uncle forced me but they encouraged me to try something which is hard so that I’ll quit being that girl which gives up easily. I was a Science stream student and as my current roommate says “We will understand in class when the teacher teaches but I don’t know why it was so hard to get through the exam. Till now I couldn’t find the answer and never one day passed without me tearing apart.” So, form 6 is scary huh? No, it’s just another exciting pathway actually.

Ready for an exciting journey?

STPM is one of the tough exams out there so we should realize how much knowledge they will put to test and at the same time, we will gain. Knowledge is the most expensive and powerful gift which cannot be replaced. It was sad to hear yesterday on the radio that many students still think twice to enter Form 6 and some even enter form 6 without any interest. Let me share with you what I gained from form 6.

1.    You will fail a thousand times but never quit.

You may not have seen an “F” in your entire student life but this time you will but don’t quit. Trust me your sleepless nights will pay off. Moreover, the current system allows you to repeat papers.

2.    Excellent means how powerful your knowledge is not how many A’s you get.

This is not like secondary school where you just read the notes and understand. Form 6 requires more reading and going through sources out of your syllabus. So for those who rarely enter the library, grab this opportunity.

3.    It prepares you to face life trials.

Can we ever predict when it rains? Sometimes the weather forecast may be wrong too. You might think that the question is asking “THIS” but the “THIS” may turn out to be “THAT”. Different style or approach of a question makes us hanging. So, when it happens in real life we will be more prepared since we have gone through many “THIS” which turns out to be “THAT”. No expectation; always remain neutral.

4.    Pain becomes your cup of tea or maybe a daily booster.

Never felt pain before? No one would be like that I guess but it’s just that STPM teaches or exposes you twice or even thrice. So, when the next time you feel the pain you will just get adjusted so well that people will be very much surprised to see your calm nature.

5.    English is an important component.

Those who sit for STPM have to sit for MUET as well. Realization hits hard especially when you don’t hit a high band. ‘Bahasa Melayu’ is our identity while English is needed for a better understanding and communication since our higher education mostly will move towards the English media.

STPM is a mixture of oil, water, and sand. The pain mixes with water and gets masked away making it seem neutral. The sand is the amount of knowledge you obtain and the more knowledge you gain the denser the sand become. Lastly, the oil is your hope and will power which stays afloat. Thus, STPM transforms us from a failure into a successful person. Do not look at the result first because STPM will reflect upon your attitude and behavior. You will become the best combination of human and it will sustain you throughout life. Regardless if you’re a non-governmental or governmental institution student after taking form 6 just be proud of the person you have turn out to be. Mom always says Form 6 made me more mature and no longer a “QUITTER”.

Every cloud has a silver lining so say with pride that you are or were a form 6 student. I am and thanks to my form 6 teachers and friends and most importantly my family who supported me throughout the journey. As my form 6 tuition, sir said, “Even if you score 2.5, let it reflect on your knowledge because a profound mind can do wonders.” So, dear STPM leavers wishing all of you the very best and believe that you will find your place in this world and be SOMEONE. For those current Form 6 students, enjoy the journey and make history. Muster all your courage and give your best shot and remember that there’s more to see in life!

LET’S BREAK THE NORM OF FORM 6 AND MAKE THE BEST OF IT!

Pictures: Google images