Online Reporter
Gabriel Manyeruke
AS the final term of the year has begun, learners across the country are at a critical point.
This is not just another academic period; for examination candidates, it is the final stretch of a year-long marathon.
This time demands renewed focus, clear goals and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed.
Remember your vision
Every learner should revisit the goals they set at the beginning of the year.
Whether it was to raise a grade, earn a scholarship or simply pass with pride, now is the time to visualise the celebration that follows success.
Picture the joy of opening results that unlock doors to higher education and future opportunities. That image should fuel your efforts.
Beware of distractions
Historically, the third term is a time when some learners lose their way.
Pressure mounts and with it comes the temptation to rebel, skip lessons, act disruptively or convince yourself that you have “done enough”.
But success is never guaranteed until the final paper is written. As Winston Churchill famously said, “Suffer the pain of discipline or suffer the pain of regret.”
The choice is yours.
Teachers as guides
Educators also feel the weight of this term.
Many will go the extra mile to fill academic gaps, offer remediation and push struggling learners forward.
Their mission is clear: To ensure no child is left behind.
Learners should embrace this support, not resist it.
A positive relationship with teachers can be the difference between confusion and clarity, failure and triumph.
No pain, no gain
This term will be demanding, but excellence is never handed to you.
Learners must be prepared to rise early or study late to internalise critical content. It is essential to have a well-structured personal timetable, one that allocates time based on subject difficulty and an individual learner’s strengths. Peer discussions are equally valuable, allowing for shared insights and mutual encouragement.
Attitude shapes altitude
Learners must discard negative attitudes towards certain subjects.
Every subject contributes to the final certificate and every grade earned will follow them long after high school.
These results are not for teachers; they are for your own future.
Academic focus must be combined with good character, because success without integrity is hollow.
The final lap
This is it — the last chance to push, polish and persevere.
Learners must remain disciplined, focused and hopeful.
The journey may be tough, but the destination is worth it.
Let every learner walk into this term with courage and walk out with results that reflect their effort, resilience and pride.
Until next time, best wishes for the term!
Gabriel Manyeruke is an author and educator at Wise Owl High School in Marondera. Contact details: 0774122288, [email protected]
