Here we are, that dreaded time when the new school year is only around the corner. Personally, I have mixed emotions before entering my last school year and I’m sure every other student like me can resonate with that. Although it is a sad thought leaving a part of you behind, the feeling of the unknown for what is to come in the future is exhilarating – but for now all we have is the wait for it all to begin.
This summer was by far my most rewarding. After a long fifth year, trying to get back into study following our relaxing transition year was tough, but we did it. My summer began with assisting the supervisors for the state exams.
This left me with a lot of free time, sitting on a chair, waiting for something big to happen, like someone needing paper or a toilet trip (exciting, I know... ), but I would like to thank the book I read and Netflix for helping me cure the boredom.
From observing and talking to the Leaving Cert students before they sat their exams, I learned that the ones staying calm and not hyping themselves up came out the happiest.
This is something I will definitely think of when sitting my exams next year. Once the exams had finished, I went on holidays with my family to Portugal. Funnily enough, the weather in Ireland was much better than in Portugal. Typical.
Back from holidays to the sweltering heat of Ireland, Longitude was on my mind.
There was huge excitement getting the bus up Thursday evening with my friends. The sun was shining and we were prepared for a night of relaxation before the big weekend ahead.
The full night’s sleep was needed, let me tell you that. It was the most fun and tiring day I’ve ever had to put down, there were huge crowds coming in from every angle and once the artists began it went crazy.
Perfecting French
The next day was an early start, as my friend, Alice, and I were jetting off to Biarritz for three weeks to French college. Our host family, Christine and George, were the French version of a Bean An Ti. The moment we arrived it was all French no English and, as you can imagine, it was quite overwhelming.
The first few days we spent our time nodding our heads saying “qui”, but eventually we branched out to more words, thank God. The three weeks were amazing. I mean, three weeks in the sun with a friend, how could I complain? Our host family were also brilliant to us.
We had classes every morning, Monday to Friday from 9am until 1.30pm, but I can honestly say it was well worth the early morning starts as I’m feeling a whole lot more ready to get back into the swing of things and, of course, the French exam next year.
During my time there I met a bunch of people from all over the world, from Texas, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany and loads from Spain. It was interesting to learn about their Leaving Cert equivalent system and explain our system to them. Sadly, the three weeks came to an end, but as my Mom always says to me: “You have to come home to go again.”
Here we go again
I spent the next week catching up on sleep, spending time with my family and I finally got to see the amazing Mamma Mia 2 that everyone is raving about (I highly recommend, by the way).
Now here I am, with only two weeks of summer left. Where did those three months go? Of course I have some fears going into my final and most important year of school, who knows what could happen?
I think my biggest fear is the pre exams, they are so important and they really guide you on what you should expect from your Leaving Cert, but what if you are having an off day? What do you take from it? I’m sure I will find out.
It is tough getting back into the school routine after three months off and this year sounds so much busier and jam-packed between study and grinds – not forgetting a few moments of rest in between.
As stressful as the Leaving Cert is, I’ve heard that sixth year is meant to be the best year and I can already understand why. I can’t wait to see all my friends, hear what they did this summer and just chat. I wish everyone doing the Leaving Cert the very best – parents, don’t panic.
SHARING OPTIONS