Moving up to a higher grade is always daunting – there is always an increase in the workload and pressure. It is never easy to adjust to change- even less so, when it brings along additional responsibilities.
This was something I was aware of before beginning my AS year, and despite being mentally prepared for the challenges, I found myself overwhelmed and struggling to stay afloat.
The truth is that the transition from O Levels to A Levels is tenfold as difficult as the transition from, say, nineth grade to tenth grade. Not only do you have to cover a much longer syllabus in a much shorter span of time, each subject is much more complex.
This is a period in our lives where academics must be our top priority – university admissions, for both local and foreign universities, are increasingly competitive due to the skyrocketing exchange rates. Involvement in extracurricular activities also increases, whether it be sports, debates, or Math and Science Olympiads.
The pressure is immense , and on top of that, you are in an unfamiliar environment, with most of your friends spread out in different colleges. With so much going on at once, it feels like there isn’t even time to breathe!
Here are three things to keep in mind before the roller coaster begins:
- Filter your friends
A Levels presents to you a fresh start. Often, in O Levels, due to the limited number of people in a class, it is difficult to find friends who are on the same page as us. We just must make do with the lot we are dealt. Fast forward to A Levels, where there are students from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life. With hundreds of students in a batch, it is much easier to find someone whose moral and religious values align with yours.
Put yourself out there. Socialize. Remember, there are many others also on the hunt for like-minded friends who are sure to meet you half way when they see you making the effort.
- Find a meaningful hobby
The mental toll of being bogged down with studies all the time is consuming. With continuous tests and a to-do list that you can never seem to get through, it is easy to feel emotionally drained. I personally felt despair – I longed to do something with my time that was not solving endless past papers. With so much competition all around, it is easy to measure your self-worth by the grade you get, or the number of hours you spend studying.
For your own mental sanity, take out some time in a day to do something you truly enjoy. Do it mindfully – remind yourself consciously that this is your “me time.”
If it is a creative hobby, like painting or writing, even better. The sense of achievement that you feel when you look at your finished work will go a long way in ensuring your headspace remains positive.
- Ground yourself religiously
This is the one that gets overlooked the most. With so much going on in one’s mind, certain key things in one’s life often take a step back, such nurturing our faith (Iman). But this is exactly what Iblis wants – have you focusing your energies only on chasing the Dunya. Of course, university placements are important; how else will you secure a good job, and earn your livelihood? But the successes of the Dunya must never deter us from working on our Hereafter.
There is an additional spiritual barrier in A Levels – with so many students in your batch, coming from all backgrounds, one is exposed to all sorts of sins.
Sin becomes so much easier, because there is very easy access to all sorts of vices. We all must be extra careful, because sin has become normalized.
Here are some things you can add into your daily routine, to strengthen your defense against Iblis:
- Never ever skip your Salah, not even one. If you struggle with it put alarms. Find a Salah buddy in college who can be a motivator. If you miss it, make up for it right away. Shaitan will try to come in between you and your meeting with Allah (swt).
- Recite a portion of the Quran every day, even if it is just one page or one Ruku. This grants us Barakah, a spiritual strength to stay on track. Best done early in the morning before the day kicks in or before you go to sleep when all is quiet.
- Listen to Islamic talks at least 5 to 3 times a week. YouTube has a whole host of many lectures on issues that bother us. There are short 5–20 minute ones, that are powerful enough to give you a strong daily spiritual boost.
- Make Dua – Allah (swt) will open doors for you that you did not even know existed. He is our Wali (Guardian), our Helper , and His Mercy extends beyond our wildest imaginations. He made Jannah for us, and He wants us to enter it.
- Recite Astaghfar daily while on the go for past sins, potential ones, etc. It keeps us on guard and helps us engage in dialogue with Allah (swt) when we keep slipping. Allah (swt) loves the sinners who run to Him with shame and Taubah.
We have heard it all – “These are the best years of your life – enjoy them to the fullest.” Unfortunately, today the idea of “fun” has become synonymous with sin. Under the misguided notion of “You’re young – if not now, then when?” We find ourselves justifying our sinful deeds. But that must change.
There are Halal options of fun too, that albeit uncommon, are more rewarding than we can imagine. The key lies in confidence – in our values, our morals, and our religion.
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