Maybe it’s Not "the End of the World"

Ugh… I let out a long sigh. 

My life right now can only be described as chaotic — my planner overflowing with tests, quizzes, and tutorials. As a Form 5 student, having a packed schedule is nothing new, but the weight on my shoulders feels heavier than ever. 

With the conclusion of the HKDSE 2026, my countdown has officially begun. The pressure is everywhere—teachers are analyzing the latest exam papers and social media is flooded with post-exam reflections. This is probably the routine for most Hong Kong teens: listen to classes for the whole day, rush to tutorials after school, and rely on caffeine during exam periods. Between weekly classes, music practice sessions, and constant tutorials, I feel completely overwhelmed, surrounded by the fear that failure means the end. Staring at the assignment due at 11:59 PM tonight, tomorrow felt like “the end of the world.”

The older generations always emphasize the importance of academics. This Asian mindset is part of who we are. We treat academics as if it is the only path to success, striving for that single "golden ticket." That ticket, however, is incredibly pricey. It costs us three years of mental instability, constant competition with peers, and a large amount of tutorial expenses. Ultimately, it costs us three years of wonderful memories we can never get back. The cost of failing is just too much if we can’t secure a university spot.

But academics must not be the only indicator that defines our worth. In the real world, things don't work like that. Taking school group projects as an example, getting a decent grade isn't just about the ability to memorize the syllabus correctly. It depends on whether you can present your ideas well, listen to people’s opinions, and integrate different viewpoints into a consensus. Of course, it also includes demonstrating good teamwork by providing comfort and support when teammates feel confused and anxious. Those are the social and communication skills we truly need in the real world. A student can have a flawless report card, but if they cannot handle disagreements or manage stress, that hard-earned "golden ticket" becomes nothing more than an expensive piece of paper. If this pass is just an entry point rather than a guarantee of a perfect life, why are we sacrificing our current well-being to get there? 

To manage this pressure, occasionally allowing ourselves to take a step back and relax is a good idea. Everytime after a particularly brutal stretch of tests, I practice a personal "self-care period" to rewind. During this period, I completely disconnect from schoolwork to start doing things that genuinely restores my energy. For me, that looks like meeting up with friends, wandering through shops alone with my favorite album in my headphones, or dining at my favorite restaurant. There are no model answers for relaxation. You may as well find a suitable healthy way to relax, and gently pull yourself up after getting through tough times!

We need to start treating our mental health as a daily priority. When the walls feel like they are closing in, just look back at the dozens of "ends of the world" you have already lived through—somehow, you always survived. That resilience is worth so much more than any predicted grade. Taking a break isn't a distraction, nor is it falling behind. It is gathering the mental fuel required to face the next wave of challenges with more composure and determination. 

At the end of the day, success is never a straight line. That “golden ticket” might pave the way to your ideal career but it is not the only route. We should never define our identity by a single sheet of paper. So, the next time you feel like the world is ending, try stepping outside, take a deep breath, and grab your favorite snack! I bet you will feel much better then.