“Huh, you only got a B for your essay?”, “Aren’t you aiming for First-Class Honours too?” These comments ring in my mind constantly, throughout my university life.
After all, we live in a country that places great emphasis on academic excellence in light of securing a stable job in the future. However, this has led to lots of stress placed on students, which takes a toll on their mental health.
An article by The Straits Times states that “in Singapore, our success is determined by our grades” (Ang). It goes on to say that this is “pressurising” and “puts restrictions” on students (Ang). Sometimes, this “pressure” becomes “unbearable” and “unhealthy”, which impacts the students’ “mental health” negatively (Ang).
When I first entered university, I thought university life would be fun and enjoyable. Yet, my freshman year started on a rough note. I struggled terribly. I didn’t expect the university academic life to be this competitive. Neither did I think that grades and degree titles were held to such high importance.
No matter how hard I tried, I always fell behind. I failed to understand lecture content and could not write exemplary essays like my peers. Many times, I was crushed by condescending remarks regarding my bad grades. I was told to buck up, or risk failing my modules and delaying my graduation. I was stressed and helpless. These academic pressures and expectations quickly took a toll on my mental health. I had severe migraines and mental breakdowns. I dreaded going to school. It got so bad, to the point that I ended up skipping classes three to four days a week.
I was discouraged and humiliated by my incompetence. I thought that no one could understand what I was going through. Yet, after speaking with some of my close friends, I learnt that they had been battling with poor mental health, too. Some of them experienced constant anxiety and panic attacks almost every week. In some of the more severe cases, they even consulted a professional counsellor or therapist outside of school.
Mental health is often not openly discussed in our society. It is conveniently brushed aside as a small matter that is seemingly unimportant. We are told to pull up our socks, continue chasing good grades and graduate with a good degree.
Many times, I asked God why He placed me in university in the first place, when He knew that I was bound to face so much stress and pain. I was very upset with God. I thought He loved me enough to protect me from all these hardships.
Today, in my third year of university, I finally see that God has placed me in this course for a good purpose. Through the hard times, He has taught me to surrender my burdens to Him and to fully depend on Him. With every trial I face, He has called me to run into His loving embrace. Battling with poor mental health has caused me to draw even closer to God, and to yearn for Him even more.
My lowest point of helplessness and desperation led me to partake in prayer and reflection. Through this, God spoke to me in miraculous ways. I am reminded that my identity is rooted in Christ alone. I am not defined by my grades or what others say of me. God has called us to keep our eyes on things above, not earthly things like our grades. Even with mediocre grades, I know that God has good plans for me, and He will prosper me in all that I do.
- “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)
- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
I am learning to fully submit my life to Jesus, and to lay my burdens at the foot of the cross. I remind myself that I am His beloved child, and nothing can stand in the way of God’s favour and blessings over my life. Unsatisfactory grades and crushing remarks no longer get to me when I have refuge in God. I believe that God has called me to university for a reason. I will continue to do my best for Him no matter what others may say, and glorify Him by living out His will for me.
- “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23)
- “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)
I am thankful that God has opened the eyes of my heart, to look beyond the superficiality of academics. Knowing that my identity is secured in Christ has helped me to keep my eyes fixed on Him. Now, I can enjoy my remaining time at university much more. I stress less and rarely experience mental breakdowns. God is gradually delivering me from these academic pressures, and allowed me to find rest and comfort in Him.
- “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
To any of you who may also be experiencing poor mental health due to academic pressures, I would like to encourage you to remain anchored in your identity in Christ. Earthly things such as grades or what others say of you have no hold against His overwhelming love for you! I pray that all of you will find joy in the Lord and allow His supernatural peace to wash over you daily. God is on your side. Take heart in knowing that He will work things out for your good and His glory!
Works Cited
Ang, Qing. “Singapore students say parental and self expectations, Fomo are sources of stress.” The Straits Times, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/singapore-students-say-parental-and-self-expectations-fear-of-missing. Accessed 28 December 2023.
The Bible. New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007. Print.
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