'Don't let schooling interfere with your education' - Mark Twain

This is something I've been wanting to write about for a while now, and I think it's about time! I recently watched a video which was both inspiring, and thought provoking and if you've not seen it, then please watch it below before reading the rest of this post.

Check out his channel here for more inspiring videos.

Just over 3 weeks ago, I was sat in an exam hall, surrounded by my fellow students, scribbling away furiously. I had just two hours to answer questions and write essays in an attempt to show my intellect and my ability. Two hours that determined whether I would progress to the third and final year of my course at university. Now to me, at that time, 3 weeks ago, the four exams that I sat felt like the most important tests I have taken to date. I couldn't help but think that if I failed these exams, I wouldn't progress to the final year, and therefore would not graduate, and therefore would be stuck in a dead end job, if I could even find one. 

Now for me, this is just a little bit strange, because ever since I was in school, I was told that the exams that I was facing at that given time were the most important ones I would ever face. Those exams would be the ones that would determine my future. I was then told the same exact thing when I sat my A Levels at college. Confusing to say the least. 

My problem isn't in fact with the teachers that told me these things, I guess they were just doing their job. But for years I have failed to understand our education system. It is something that has frustrated me for a long time, simply because I cannot grasp the fact that those few pressure filled hours, are deemed a fair test of someone's intelligence.

What happens if you wake up on the morning of your exams feeling unwell, and knowing full well you won't be able to perform to the best of your ability? What happens if you study for weeks, perhaps months in advance and on the day, you go blank? What happens if you are a bright and talented individual, who simply has a bad memory? Because this is what I think exams test, not ability, not intelligence, not whether you are capable, but simply your memory.

Thankfully, I have always done 'okay' in exams, but the fact that I know people that I consider to be much more talented, much more creative and even more intelligent than me, who for one reason or another, do not perform too well in exams and therefore are given what may be deemed as a 'low' grade, when in fact they deserve so much more, really upsets me.

Unfortunately I do not see the way students are tested, changing for the better any time soon. (Although in the U.K. there's been plenty of talk about changing GCSEs, but to me these changes are pointless and a waste of time, when there are so many other areas that need reform, both in the education system and with our country in general). But I for one, am glad that next year will (fingers crossed) be the last set of exams that I take! And for all those who have years of exams ahead of you, don't despair. Remember to try your best, and that is all anyone can ask of you. Keep in mind that some of the most successful people around the world weren't educated through 'mainstream schooling', and aren't conventionally 'academic'. A grade whether it's an A* or a U, does not define who you are or your capability.

Remember, 'Education means inspiring someone's mind, not just filling their head' - Katie Lusk. So stay inspired and chase your dreams because, 'if you don't build your dream, someone will hire you to help build theirs' - Tony Gaskins.

:-) x