THIS COULD HURT YOU BADLY

Back in secondary school, I remember vividly an exam I failed woefully. I don’t remember this episode because of my failure; I remember it because of the event that led to my failure. I was negligent. I assumed. I was careless and this hurt me badly. It killed my dream. I was in my 2^nd senior year. I was aiming at claiming a prize as one of the best students in my class. I was well on track until this faithful day when I lifted my foot off the gas.

This paper we were about to sit for was rather simple. It was basically about knowing bible stuff and downloading the answers on your exam sheet. There was nothing special about this subject. People usually passed it well. But in this particular exam, I scored 42 out of 70; an all-time low considering the simplicity of the subject. I failed because someone had told me that the teacher for that subject didn’t really mark our scripts. I was told that he would just award marks to people based on merit and that he didn’t really mark. I was foolish enough to believe this. Thus I was confident I would pass the exam. First, the teacher was my friend. Second, he knew my name and I was a good person. I thought that was enough to get me good grades. I didn’t read for the exams. I went into the exam hall thinking my distinction was sure. Nevertheless, I was in for the shock of life when I saw 42-over-70. This cost me the prize. It affected my result badly.

However, this is a mistake I have learned from. I have learned never to assume. I have learned never to be complacent. Don’t take another person’s word for it. I have learned to always be sure before doing something, before making decisions. If you are unsure, check again. Don’t go into the battle of life without properly checking what you have and know. There’s hardly ever a second-chance and you may come out battered and beaten, finding it hard to get back on your feet. I know it was just a secondary school subject but it killed my dream but I have learned to get back on my feet. Life won’t give you that luxury. Life can be cruel. Don’t ever assume. It could hurt you badly.

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