THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Offaly columnist advises 'give the exams your best

"A COLLEGE professor handed out an exam that had 20 difficult questions. The instructions said to read the entire exam paper before beginning to write. Most students, seeing the number of questions, despaired of answering them all in the time allotted. They ignored the instructions and started right in on the first question.

"A few students wrote nothing at all. They just looked at the paper for a while, and then stared glumly into space as though they were trying to remember something. One student completed the exam in a matter of minutes, submitted the paper, and walked out of the room, smiling. The others looked up for a moment, incredulous, then returned to their scribbling.

"That student was the only one who passed the exam. That student was the only one who followed the instructions fully, reading through all 20 questions before reaching the final one. The final question went like this: "Congratulations! You have followed the instructions perfectly. There is no need to answer any of the other 19 questions. Just answer this one. This question is very simple, and it is the only one that counts. Write the name of the janitor who cleans this classroom."

In Saint Luke’s Gospel we read: "Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies." (Luke 2:46-48).

The above Gospel quote and the story before that, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of following instructions and thinking critically before diving into tasks. Just like the young Jesus in the Temple, who engaged thoughtfully with the teachers, the student who read the entire exam demonstrated wisdom and foresight. In both cases, success came not from rushing into action but from taking the time to understand the situation fully. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook details and rush into decisions.

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However, this tale encourages us to pause, reflect, and ensure we grasp the bigger picture before proceeding. Whether in academics, work, or life, taking a moment to read the fine print can lead to unexpected rewards. So, the next time you face a challenge, remember the lesson from the Temple and the exam: sometimes, the simplest answer is the one that requires the most thought.

Pray for knowledge

As June rolls in, students across Ireland find themselves at a pivotal moment: exam season. The Junior Cert and Leaving Cert exams loom large, a rite of passage that no student or parent can escape. I remember those sun-soaked days when I was cooped up inside, cramming for exams. It didn’t take long to realize that cramming was less effective than a balanced study approach, especially in those final days. Picture this: the teacher announces, "Put your revision notes away. It’s time for you to take the exam." Suddenly, fear grips you. Your stomach churns, your palms sweat, and your mind goes blank as the exam paper lands on your desk. Sound familiar? Right now, thousands of young people across Ireland are gearing up for their exams, having dedicated months, even years, to this moment. They’ve sacrificed so much, and now it’s time to showcase their knowledge.

A balanced approach to studying is key—ensuring proper sleep, nutrition, exercise, and study time, while also nurturing the spirit through prayer and reflection. Exams may not define us, but they certainly help us grow, equipping us with skills for the next chapter in life, whether that’s pursuing higher education, taking a gap year, or entering the workforce. As I light my daily candle and pray for these students and especially for my eldest daughter who is doing her Leaving Cert, I remember a prayer that always brought me comfort during exam time: ‘Holy Spirit, send your power, help me to remember all that I have learnt, inspire me with the gift of Knowledge. Amen!' Let’s support our young people during this challenging time, wishing them all the best as they embark on this important journey.

You are fabulous

As exam season rolls around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you have a child or loved one like I have facing these challenges. The pressure can be intense, with teachers reminding students that these are the most crucial exams of their lives. But amidst the stress and tension, it’s important to remember that exams, while significant, are just one part of a much larger journey. First and foremost, take a moment to acknowledge the incredible person you are. You are unique, loved, and cherished by your family and friends, regardless of the grades you achieve. Your worth is not defined by exam results; it’s rooted in your individuality, talents, and the positive impact you can make in the world.

As you prepare for your exams, don’t forget to lean on your support system. Your loved ones are there for you, ready to offer prayers, encouragement, and love. Embrace moments of joy and relaxation, too! Laughter and fun are essential for your well-being and can help your mind process all that you’ve studied. Lastly, don’t lose sight of your faith or whatever brings you comfort. In these challenging times, connecting with your beliefs can provide strength and peace. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. You are amazing and fabulous just as you are, and no exam can change that.

The surprise test

One day a professor entered the classroom and asked his students to prepare for a surprise test. They waited anxiously at their desks for the test to begin. The professor handed out the question paper, with the text facing down as usual. Once he handed them all out, he asked his students to turn the page and begin. To everyone’s surprise, there were no questions. Just a dark spot in the center of the page. The professor, seeing the expression on everyone’s face, told them the following: “I want you to write what you see there.”

The students, confused, got started on the inexplicable task. At the end of the class, the professor took all the answer papers and started reading each one of them aloud in front of all the students. All of them, with no exceptions, described the dark spot, trying to explain its position in the middle of the sheet, etc. After all had been read, the classroom was silent, the professor began to explain: “I am not going to grade you on this, I just wanted to give you something to think about. No one wrote about the white part of the paper. Everyone focused on the dark spot – and the same happens in our lives.

We have a white paper to observe and enjoy, but we always focus on the dark spots. Our life is a gift given to us by God, with love and care, and we always have reasons to celebrate, such as nature renewing itself everyday, our friends around us, the job that provides our livelihood, the miracles we see everyday. However we insist on focusing only on the dark spots, the health issues that bother us, the lack of money, the complicated relationship with a family member, the disappointment with a friend and many other dark spots in our lives we focus on. The dark spots are very small compared to everything we have in our lives, but they are the ones that pollute our minds. Take your eyes away from the dark spots in your life. Enjoy each one of your blessings, each moment that life gives you. Be happy, try your best and live a life positively!

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Embrace each day

As a new day dawns, embrace it with a smile and a heart full of gratitude. In moments of darkness, be the light that guides others. Stand up against injustice, and when love brings pain, have the courage to love again. If you see someone in need, reach out and help them heal. Remember, failure is just a stepping stone; rise up and try again. At the end of each day, reflect on your efforts and know that you’ve done your best.

Each morning is a fresh start, a chance to make the world anew. Consider the story of a sailor who, after being shipwrecked, was crowned king by the island's natives. Initially thrilled, he soon learned that his reign would end in banishment. Instead of despairing, he cleverly prepared for his future by improving the island, ensuring his survival. As you step into the world, remember that change is inevitable. Youth will fade, but the essence of who you are can remain steadfast. In a world of constant transformation, hold onto the unchanging truth that Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So, dare to be your best self, especially during challenging times like exams. As you embark on these final weeks and days of exam preparation, remember that the love and support from those who care about you is unwavering.

No matter the outcome, their belief in you remains strong. Embrace the qualities that make you unique and let them shine through your hard work and believe in yourself. This is your moment to give it your all—dive into your studies, stay focused, and push through the challenges. When you look back, you’ll want to feel proud of the effort you put in. You’ve got this! Keep pushing forward! Good luck on your journey!

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, let’s embrace the power of dreams and the courage to act on them. With exams approaching, many of us find solace in candle shrines, where prayers from parents and students alike illuminate our hopes. St. Paul reminds us, "With God on our side, who can be against us?" This faith is a comforting reminder that we are never alone, especially during these challenging times. Today’s youth face a vibrant yet demanding world, navigating the pressures of academic competition and the uncertainties of the future. The weight of expectations can sometimes feel overwhelming, leading to struggles with anxiety and mental health. Yet, the resilience and optimism of young people shine through, guiding them through tough times. As exams draw near, let’s pray for our students. May they find strength, peace, and clarity in their studies. A heartfelt prayer can be a source of encouragement. It asks for wisdom, focus, and the ability to manage stress, reminding students that their efforts will bear fruit.

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A heartfelt prayer by Bill Thurman that I use and am saying daily now for my daughter as she does her leaving cert shortly goes as follows, "Dear Lord, You have given wisdom to those who seek knowledge and you have blessed us with strong, healthy minds that hunger to learn. Bless my children this day, and this week, as they see the fruits of their labours culminate in the writing of exams that are designed to test their knowledge. I pray that you would guide them to study those areas most important. Help them to discern wisely what time they spend on each subject and when it is necessary to put the books away and just rest. I pray that as they sit at their desks, with pen in hand, that you would give them pause to breathe, to concentrate and to recall all that they have learned. Help them to not be flustered or panicked.

Give them sharp minds and clear focus. Sharpen their memories and give them the right words to lay out on that paper to answer the questions before them. I pray that you would bless the work of their minds over this past year and that all of their late nights, long projects, marathon reading and difficult questioning would not be in vain but that you would multiply what they already know into good marks for solid effort. Give them peace about finishing and handing in their completed exams , knowing that they did what they were asked to the best of their abilities. And help them to shake off any concerns or worry so they can focus on the next. And Lord, bless their summers, that they would be renewed in mind and body and challenged for the next years’ work. And bless all those who are graduating and writing for the last time. I pray that they would be filled with humility at all that they have learned and understand that this has been the groundwork laid for what is to come but not the end-all and be-all of their lives.

Reach out and touch the hearts and minds of students with a sense that you are with them; with confidence to face the challenge; and with the realization that their anxiety and stress can be a positive energy in their pursuit of excellence. Give them insight to understand what they have studied and help them to remember it when the time comes. Help them to keep in perspective the many gifts and talents you have already given them that they may use for the greater honour and glory of God. Bless all that they do, that they would use their gifts, talents and knowledge to bring goodness and peace to our world. Let’s support our young learners with love and prayers, helping them to see that their journey is just beginning. As they prepare for exams, may they feel empowered to face challenges with confidence, knowing that their hard work and talents are gifts to be shared with the world. Amen."