During my secondary education, 10th grade, we were allowed to assess ourselves

and have a period to decide if we would be qualified to write the Cambridge

IGCSE examinations. My father had suggested I write it, although I had doubts
about that decision. From reports I heard about past candidates who wrote the
exam, they emphasized that juggling between regular school work and IGCSE
classes would be demanding, requiring great determination and focus. I decided
to go further with the exam as I weighed its pros and cons and saw that it would
be of tremendous advantage to me, keeping in mind what I would have to give
up.
When we resumed school that term, we were asked to bring our examination
results. My result was not outstanding but it was definitely above average. On
getting to school, I sought the advice of a counselor regarding my application; It
was a requirement. When I gave her my result, I was optimistic that I would get
positive judgments and of course some criticism, but all she said were negative. I
was amazed. She said that the exam was very challenging and that if I knew I
would not be able to balance both exams; regular exams and IGCSE; I shouldn’t
apply for it. It was even more saddening as my father had already purchased the
overly expensive materials and books for the exam. He said that it wasn’t an issue
and he could just give it to a cousin who might like to write too. That shattered
me and I told them I was going to write it. The words of the counselor weren’t
very helpful, but I was dedicated. I met a good friend of mine and told her all I
was thinking about as it was overwhelming. She told me not to listen to what
another person said and just listen to what my heart said. That was beyond
helpful and I went along with it.
Balancing the two exams was, as they said, very challenging, but I sailed through
and came out with an excellent result from both exams. I realized that there
would be both positive and negative comments trying to encourage or discourage
what you desire, more importantly, to craft those words into something positive
and always have faith in yourself.