In a small town, there lived a girl named Jessica. She had always aced her exams and was the topper all through her grades. However, when she reached college and was in grade 12, she couldn’t even pass the exam, let alone get a position.

Like it always happens, she thought she knew everything and would do perfectly, but sadly, she didn’t. The reason was that like most kids, she also loved spending time on the social media apps on her phone than spending time on books. Even exams didn’t seem to bother her. Her parents kept reminding her to focus on her studies and exams, but she would make one excuse or another, and then divert the conversation.

On her maths exam day, she didn’t seem to be worried at all. Her friends were worried that they would not pass, and they asked Jessica “What is the square of 12?”

Jessica didn’t know, so she said 103, but she was wrong and one of her friends said, “No, the square is 144, so if you don’t know this, how are you going to pass the exam? There will be so many questions and problems like this or maybe even more difficult.”

“Ah... don’t worry! It’s not a big deal. I’ll show you!” Jessica said carelessly and sat on her seat.

The exam started and she didn’t know anything, so she just did whatever she remembered, which were mostly the syllabus of her previous class. She was very overconfident and thought she wrote all the answers correctly. She went back home and said the exam was very easy and she was sure to pass it with flying colours.

But when the results came, Jessica was shocked. As she looked at her grades, she saw that she hadn’t passed even one subject. She had failed miserably. The disappointment on her parents’ faces was something she couldn’t ignore. The reality hit her hard — all her confidence and belief that she didn’t need to study had led her to this point. Her friends, who had been studying diligently, were celebrating their success, while Jessica was left to face the consequences of her actions.

When she entered college after receiving her results, Jessica felt deeply embarrassed. She could feel the eyes of her classmates on her, and the harsh truth was hard to ignore. She also had to endure occasional taunts from some of her peers. Her friends were discussing the universities they would apply to and how their lives were about to change. They spoke with excitement about the future, while Jessica felt a heavy weight on her shoulders. She knew she still had a long way to go, she had to repeat the entire year. The realisation hit her hard.

It felt like a setback, but Jessica understood it was also an opportunity to prove herself. She had learned the hard way that success requires effort, and now, with a renewed sense of determination, she was ready to face the challenges ahead.

Slowly, Jessica began to focus on improving herself, determined to prove that this failure would not define her. She started studying harder, seeking help when needed, and learning to value discipline over complacency. It wasn’t easy, but she was committed to turning her life around.

Her result also led her parents to give her a much-needed lesson. They took away her phone and told her, “You won’t get your phone back until you pass the class with good grades.”

Jessica understood the gravity of the situation. She dedicated herself to studying, and whenever there was an event or social gathering, she chose to stay home and study instead. This incident truly changed her for the better.

As days passed, the final exams approached again. This time, she wasn’t excited or overly confident. Instead, there was a deep sense of tranquillity within her, and she approached each exam with serious intent, fully focused on doing her best.

Time flew, and when the results came out, Jessica was nervous, but hopeful. She had worked hard, but the results were beyond her expectations. She had passed all her exams with A grade! She felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over her, and tears of joy filled her eyes. Her parents, seeing her expression, understood the significance of the moment.

In an emotional rush, Jessica ran to her mother and, for the first time, broke down in tears. She apologised with all her heart, acknowledging how lightly she had taken everything before. She admitted how hard she had learned the lesson, but now, she truly understood the value of hard work and discipline. She promised herself she would never again take her parents or her studies for granted.

Her parents hugged her back, and with a smile, they returned her phone. It was a fresh start for Jessica, one built on responsibility, patience and the understanding that success doesn’t come without effort.

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 14th, 2024