Every student completing VCE can understand the stress levels which are ever-present throughout the course for your final years at high school. The challenges, the deadlines and of course the EXPECTATIONS. It can feel as if you are all alone, traveling on an endless journey to a ever ominous end, fueled only by ones self determination. So what happens when life turns upside down, when the unexpected happens and when it seems that there is no one to talk to? Well the obvious option which jumps into all our heads is to give up. To let the pain consume us and for it all to just stop.

Throughout of years of our lives we are taught to be resilient and to learn to fight through adversity, but the truth of the matter is that it is easier said than done. Anyone can be positive when life is good but it takes stamina to continue when the going gets tough.

VCE is nothing more than a test, not of your academic abilities, but rather of your ability to persevere. IT WILL BREAK YOU at one point or another and its important to realize that this is completely normal. When we as students get caught up in our marks and results, it leaves us vulnerable not only to negative emotions but also to negative ways of life.

Jealousy, Self Hate, Anger and Rage are all common emotions we feel when life just becomes too much. If you take one lesson away today let it be this "Never let the prospect of a high ATAR, come at the expense of your mental health". It is okay. It is okay. It is okaayyyyy. Take the time you need to gather your thoughts, it does not have to be one day, one week or even one month, however long you need, Its okay.

When it comes down to it, Living your life is the most powerful thing that you can do and to be trapped in an outdated vision of what VCE should look like, is insanity itself.

No matter what the struggle is which you are going through, always remember that:

"WHERE THERE IS LIFE THERE IS HOPE"