Have you heard the statement, “Heaven helps those who help themselves?” Well, that’s how my story changed from failure to six-ones at the BECE in 2009.
My school only pushed or promoted me to JHS3 as one of the three less-expected boys for me to pass through the system and leave. My teachers have complained day in and day out about my poor academic performance and low or no dedication to my books. In fact, in my end-of-term examination reports from junior high school, one term, I painted that picture to the extent that it began to affect me psychologically.
Sad as it may be, my parents, apart from paying my fees, did not care about what I was going through because they had tried several means, including finding me a teacher at home during vacations to teach me the basics.
I didn’t take my books very seriously because I didn’t think I was suited for school.
One day, when the headmaster visited us in class and discussed the BECE registration process with us, something happened. Yes, I woke up from my deep sleep because I realized I was so close to the examination, which was about 9 months away, and yet I was so far from passing due to my low level of commitment to my studies.
I looked around the class and the faces of my colleagues and noticed the mixed feelings of excitement and challenge boldly written on their faces, but while I could not explain my facial expressions, what I felt in my spirit, mind, and heart was fear of unpreparedness. That day, I realised my journey from termly Failure to 6-ones at the BECE would be tough but I needed to make an effort
The phrase “Heaven helps those who help themselves” kept repeating in my mind as I listened attentively to the head teacher, who was so passionate about the issues he discussed. He emphasised the importance of studying diligently, passing the BECE, and securing a spot in a reputable school, as opposed to making mistakes and failing, which could land you in a school you don’t want to attend. His words struck a chord deep within me. I felt tense and soon started sweating.
Just then, my class teacher, who was present, said, “Heady” (referring to the headmaster)… “Look at Ashimay; he’s sweating like a pregnant fish.” The entire class burst into annoying laughter because everyone knew I wasn’t serious about my studies. I also managed to faint a smile, but I was the only one who knew what I was going through then.
Just then, the phrase “Heaven helps those who help themselves” echoed in my mind again. I decided to speak to my class teacher after school that day, but he said he was not available and scheduled the meeting early the next day. All I wanted from him was a guide on how to study and work on myself.
The following morning, I arrived at school first and diligently worked on the compound, all the while monitoring the school entrance for the teacher’s arrival. Soon he arrived, and we had our chat. He instructed me to record and practice the following:
- Create a study schedule. Plan a daily study routine that covers all subjects, ensuring you dedicate sufficient time to each one.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weakest subjects and allocate more time to improving them, seeking help when necessary.
- Set Achievable Goals: Break your study sessions into manageable goals.
- Practice Past Questions: Regularly practice past BECE questions to familiarise yourself with the exam format and question types.
- Use Study Groups: Form study groups with classmates to share knowledge, discuss difficult topics, and keep each other accountable.
- Seek Extra Help: Take advantage of after-school tutoring or ask teachers for additional help on topics you find challenging.
- Stay Organised: Keep your study materials, notes, and textbooks organised to make your study sessions more efficient.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude: Believe in your ability to improve and succeed, and stay focused on your goals.
- Take Care of Your Health: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and take breaks to avoid burnout.
- Pray and Trust in God: Incorporate prayer into your daily routine, asking for guidance, wisdom, and strength to stay committed to your studies.
READ: How parents must support children’s BECE/WASSCE preparation
With these tips, some of which I was familiar with, I started working on myself and became more disciplined. I realized that I was not as bad as I thought I was, and that I had cultivated a bad habit of studying and reading. Soon I was doing well, and everyone saw my improvement. I worked hard, and my teacher was also very supportive. My parents saw I had changed and started giving me as much attention as they gave my two siblings, who were already doing so well in the lower classes.
In the end, the phrase “Heaven helps those who help themselves” played out, and I did well. I was surprised that I secured 6-ones at the BECE, which helped me secure enrollment to study business at Labone Senior High School in Accra, my first choice.
You can change your story by helping yourself and changing your attitude towards your studies. The journey from failure to 6-ones at the BECE was the best thing that happened to me.
READ: Bad BECE/WASSCE habits candidates must avoid
5. Moral lessons from the story “From Failure to 6-Ones at the BECE: How My Story Changed,” with the theme “Heaven helps those who help themselves.”
Moral Lessons from “From Failure to 6-Ones at the BECE: How My Story Changed”
Theme: “Heaven Helps Those Who Help Themselves”
- Self-motivation is key.
- The story demonstrates that motivation and determination to succeed must come from within. When the student realised the importance of the BECE and decided to take action, it marked a turning point in his academic journey. This highlights the lesson that personal initiative and self-motivation are crucial for success.
- Effective planning and time management
- By creating a study schedule and setting achievable goals, the student learned the value of organisation and time management. This lesson teaches us that careful planning and disciplined execution are essential for achieving our goals.
- The Power of Seeking Help
- The student’s decision to seek guidance from his teacher underscores the importance of asking for help when needed. It shows that admitting we need assistance and seeking advice can lead to significant improvements and success.
- Faith and hard work Go hand in hand.
- Incorporating prayer and trust in God while also putting in the necessary effort demonstrates the balance between faith and hard work. This lesson teaches that while we trust in a higher power, we must also put in the work required to achieve our goals.
- Change is possible with the right attitude.
- The student’s transformation from a poor performer to a top achiever illustrates that change is possible with the right mindset and attitude. It teaches that a positive attitude towards challenges and a willingness to change can lead to remarkable outcomes.
READ: Faith and Focus: How to Help Your Child Prepare for Exams
These moral lessons collectively reinforce the theme that “Heaven helps those who help themselves,” emphasising the importance of self-initiative, effective planning, seeking help, balancing faith with effort, and maintaining a positive attitude towards change.
