Today, we’re honored to share the journey of an exceptional student of Sanghamiththa Balika Vidyalaya. Kalika , A Management Student of University of Colombo will take us on the journey of showing us the invaluable life lessons she had learned in her A levels and How She had made the most out of these precious years.
Here on Kalika will carry on…
1) What I consider , I have did right in my time as an A level student?
The refrain of my A-level journey brings along feelings of fulfillment and pride, besides being one of the cropping times of my life. Looking back, it was a period of brave moves, riveting experiences and life lessons invaluable. Now I’ll show you why these years are so dear to me.
Choosing My Own Path: The Commerce Stream
When I was a student of A-Level I got to the most perplexing choice about which stream I had to take. I excelled by earning my O-Level results that are 7 A’s and 2 B’s and As for science and mathematics and B for commerce. Most people had the notion of me being part of a wider body of learners in the science stream, with some of my friends. However, I am one of those who don’t like to follow in other people’s footsteps.
As opposed to the teachers’ and ad hoc adults’ opinions, I chose commerce. It wasn’t my favorite, but it was my choice. I knew that deep inside I was interested in business and economics rather than in experiments on animals or solving difficult chemical equations.
Initially, I was a loner as all my good friends were on the science stream and we were not even in the same dormitory. But that was how I came to realize that the desire for what you love is, in fact, a vehicle of social connection, thus creating friendships. Thus, through my experiences, I have discovered that breaking away from excessive normality in one’s life can open the way to potentially more exhilarating relationships.
Embracing Challenges: The English Medium Adventure
While coming to commerce was brave, opting for English medium was audacious. Out of 150 commerce students, only four of us went through with it. I confront it with welcome arms. However, it is also very useful when, for example, it sharpens your communication skills, it expands your horizons, and it separates you from the competition in a league.
Grade 12: My Golden Year
Indeed, Grade 12 was the zenith of my high school years. It was a storm of activities, a year in which I really found myself. Every single possibility that came my way was seized with all my heart and soul. I acted in two English dramas and one Sinhala drama, represented my school in all-island competitions, and even went to India for an international computer science festival.
Along with this, I had a break by taking a step down in leadership. I was the senior prefect and the president of the commerce society. I, too, fit in with the schedule by being a senior member of the photographic club and a fully committed member of Model United Nations. My calendar was overloaded, my hands were full, and my heart was overflowing with happiness.
That year was not only about winning lots of certificates and awards but learning to keep up with my busy schedule while coping with academic stress. It was at these points of disarray when I learned my resilience and built my time-management skills, tools that remain invaluable even today.
Life Lessons: Beyond the Classroom
A-Levels were for me, way more than strategies and theory of commerce. They taught me how to study, and this I had no idea about yet. I discovered the ways of forming and maintaining deep-seated teachers’ and students’ relations. These soft skills became the root of my prosperity and contentment back then.
Above all, I learned to trust myself, stand in the stillness, and be happy with the positions in life. A-Level years were the years of growth, discovery, and mirror-finding—this is a part of my life ‘I’ll always fondly look back on.”
My A-Level journey convinces me that the biggest achievements in life mostly come from the boldest choices whether it is through taking a new way, handling challenges and capturing every opportunity.
2)What would I do differently if I get another chance as an A level student?
If I had another chance to pursue my A-Levels, initially I’d rave about the UGC Campus Guide to expand my knowledge and so monitor the threshold scores that have been set by universities and z-score declaration. It would have been supportive for me to enlarge my vision of subject selection that is in line with my dreams.
I’d also alter the topic combination—replacing Business Studies with Economics so that I can express my inclination towards calculations as well as brain teasers. The combination of Accounting, Economics, and ICT that I would have used would be like a three-layered vanilla, chocolate, and coffee cake for me it would be one that I still enjoy largely, and which opens more doors too.
Although I am quite fond of the knowledge I collected during my A-Level studies, these actions could have been far better for me and my level of satisfaction be increased. No regrets, just lessons!
3)What is the most significant thing, I would say, for a current aspiring A level student?
Your A-Level years are more of a turbo-charged catapult – they are the place to be for your future. This is the best opportunity that you can take to find out what you love and what you do best and get involved in a career in a sector that you enjoy the most. Let your passion be the driving force for your career objectives.
Equally important is the selection of the study methods which can help you to master the course structure. Whether it is cluster knowledge sharing, the usage of flashcards, or solo study marathons, you must adapt your method to unleash your full learning potential.
Lastly, embrace a positive attitude. The A-Level is not about just making good grades but about being resilient and optimistic at the same time. A positive approach will surely not only motivate you but also aid visibly in remaining aligned with all the stress when the exam comes. Skills Hulk, be determined you got as your study materials.
4)What single technique or practice have helped me a lot in my journey?
If I were to attribute only one technique for my A-Level success, it would be the “effective study management” technique I mastered. Monitoring my study hours made me feel motivated, as every minute became a milestone.
Nevertheless, that wasn’t the end of the story. A well-organized study strategy was my secret tool, assisting my school success by enabling me to manage both academics and extracurricular activities. This action guaranteed that everything was done perfectly no matter how hard it was or how many activities I had to juggle.
Indeed, the most critical aspect was practicing the past papers. I became aware of the exam patterns and thus I adopted smart strategies to manage stress and come out stronger. Through real exam conditions, not only did I gain confidence in myself, but I also improved my problem-solving capability. Cumulatively, these approaches have brought about a formula that leads to both academic and personal growth.
Astonished by what you have just encountered?
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