I am personally optimistic about 2011; it has so far been a nice and hopeful year. The excitement of making it to my final class of high school after what seemed like eternity is great.

The determination to give my very best shot as I prepare for the national exams around the corner and obviously sharing this emotion with thousands of others all over the country is quite overwhelming. 

Naturally, one of the first things I realized is that during this period, there’s an atmosphere of excitement and fear—it’s altogether a mixture of emotions.

Many would say, "Everybody goes through that, it is nothing new,” as true as it is, it feels different in the shoes of a first-time high school candidate. It feels as if it were a war suddenly breaking out with the hope for victory.

Whatever the quality of your weapons and tactics, you must trust them if you want to get anywhere at all.
Candidates are now excitedly talking about finally going out into the real world, joining university life, finding a good job and probably becoming job creators.

However, at the same time, we don’t want to get there too fast. Feelings of uncertainty, confusion, unpreparedness and greater responsibilities are all frightening! You want to get to the finish line so bad, but you don’t know if you’re ready for the trophy.

I know some of you do understand what I mean and you’d probably like to tell us that, "it’s your time, your experience, so do your best because you’ll make it, and it’s not that bad.” If so, then it’s my pleasure to let you know we are very hopeful about the future.

Honestly speaking, high school is an experience where we mostly discover our identity. As much as we say we can’t wait to get out, we know that it has made us who we are and we shall always owe our success to our teachers, mentors, parents and guardians!

hozatash@yahoo.com