Why you shouldn't 'let an exam result decide your fate'

Today’s post is a throwback to a video I watched during my GCSEs: I Will Not Let an Exam Result Decide My Fate by the brilliant spoken word artist Suli Breaks. A stream of consciousness that still sends shivers down my spine, it remains just as relevant to me today as I complete my final years at university.

What have I learnt between watching that video and now?

Everything.

DO NOT let an exam result decide your fate. Suli Breaks nailed it. Society expects us to go to college, then uni, then work—to tick all the boxes and define success by the system’s metrics. But whether you left education to work or are still in it, why let a little letter or number on a piece of paper determine your worth?

Yes, we should try in education. I’ve always believed in its power to create opportunity—I’m training to become a teacher, after all. But if you’ve given it your all and don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, why should that stop you from achieving your goals? If you have ambition, drive, and a sense of purpose, you can make it happen. Full stop.

The education system is just that: a system. Some people are better at navigating it than others. Some excel at certain stages, and others later in life. That’s reality. The best thing you can do is try your best.

Let me share my own story. I worked hard throughout school and somehow exceeded my expectations at both GCSE and A-Level. It wasn’t easy—but I did it. And I actually enjoyed it.

Weirdly, that changed at university. Like many freshers, I went in thinking, “I enjoy this subject, so it’ll be a breeze.” Wrong. I enjoyed English and Media at GCSE and A-Level far more than I have at uni. And that shocked me. I thought university was meant to be this inspiring, mind-expanding hub filled with likeminded people. I even wrote that in my UCAS statement. But I was wrong.

I’m only in second year, but so far, not one lecturer has taught me anything that’s felt relevant to my life or experience. Not one has sparked a deep desire to learn more or explore my subject. Instead, I’ve often felt like they tried to squeeze the individuality out of me—and in doing so, almost killed my urge to inquire.

Harsh? Maybe. But that’s how it’s felt.

Did I expect too much? Possibly. But university has been… unfulfilling. In first year, I had a mini existential crisis. Had all my previous educational success been a lie? Was I stupid—or was this pretentious version of “education” the problem? Maybe I realised I don’t have all the answers. Or maybe this rant simply reflects something some of you can relate to.

Whatever the case, one thing I can say for sure is this: a bad experience—or a disappointing exam result—should never define your fate. Like Suli says, exams don’t determine your value.

Honestly, I haven’t felt mentally stimulated by higher education. That’s why I might sound like the party pooper when it comes to promoting university. Your experience might be different. And that’s okay. Maybe this is just anecdotal waffle to you—but my point is: succeeding in the system isn’t the be-all and end-all. Nor should it be your sole ambition.

Here are some things I’ve learnt that you might want to take with you:

1. IT’S SOMETIMES ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW, NOT WHAT YOU KNOW. You’ve probably heard this as “nepotism”—and yes, it’s a sad reality. Networking matters. “Kissing up” may be the colloquial way of putting it, but sometimes it works. Just make sure you keep your integrity. //DISCLAIMER: KEEP YOUR MORALS INTACT//

2. SEEK OPPORTUNITY. I know I sound like a careers adviser, but hear me out. Behind every successful person is a story of hustle. While my friends were working in retail (nothing wrong with that!), I was volunteering in schools, invigilating, and reconnecting with old teachers. That grind led to me being employed as a teacher at 19—something not many people can say.

3. BUILD REAL, MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS. This might sound like it contradicts point one, but bear with me. Part of the reason uni felt so fake was because I wasn’t being myself. Yes, networking sometimes means adapting—but stay true to who you are. I didn’t drink, club, or take drugs. That made me an outsider in some ways. But I held firm. Be you. Build relationships that reflect your values. No forced laughs or fake small talk.

4. BE OPEN-MINDED. A-Levels aren’t the only path. BTECs, apprenticeships, internships—even taking time out—can be the right choice. I felt forced into A-Levels and uni because of my teaching goal, but I later found out there were other routes. I don’t regret it, but it’s proof: there’s more than one way.

5. DON’T JUST TALK—DO. This one’s personal. Talk is cheap. Saying you want to be a footballer isn’t the same as training hard and putting yourself out there. I grew up in a South Asian community where naysayers and “haters” were never far away. Say you want to be a boxer and do nothing—you’re a disgrace. Actually do it—and earn well—you’re the family hero. //CASE IN POINT: Amir Khan, Boxer\

6. TRY YOUR UTMOST. I said it already, but it’s worth repeating: try your best in everything you do. If your heart’s in it, the results will follow.

That’s all for now. Let me know if you want more honest, motivational blog posts like this. No fluff. Just real talk.

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#exam #education #progress #aspire #motivate #inspiration #motivation #academic

#exam #education #progress #aspire #motivate #inspiration #motivation #academic