The year 2024 is nearly at its conclusion, with high school, college, and university students burning the midnight oil in pursuit of their best possible grades. For many, especially matriculants writing their National Senior Certificate exams, this time represents a challenging yet pivotal moment in their academic journeys. The pressure to succeed can feel overwhelming, but amid the stress, late nights, and sacrifices, I encourage you all: do not give up.

I, too, am nearing the end of a significant academic adventure. As a master’s student, I’ve just completed the first draft of my thesis. The entire project is due soon, and there’s a high chance I may not meet the deadline, requiring me to register to submit in 2025. Despite the odds and the many late nights spent sifting through references with dozens of academic papers open on my screen, I refuse to count myself out of the race.

I have proven to myself just how resilient I can be in the face of adversity. Health issues, anxiety, and other struggles have tried to derail me, yet I continue typing, believing that God will carry me through this journey. Every Harvard reference, word, and page of my thesis represents my unwavering perseverance.

So, if you find yourself sitting in front of your laptop at 2 a.m. with a cup of coffee keeping you awake, know that I am right there with you. You are capable of amazing things—just buckle down and work as hard as you can.

Here are a few tips that have helped me with focus, information retention, and productive writing:

1. Wake Up Early
Even if you’re not naturally an early riser, it’s worth making the effort during this crucial period. Try waking up at 5 a.m. each day for the next two weeks. Spend the first 15 minutes planning your day, creating a realistic to-do list of tasks to tackle. You can also prepare your breakfast and set up the study materials you need—books, pens, highlighters, and anything else. By 6 a.m., you’ll be ready to dive straight into studying, rather than wasting time on preparations.

2. Manage Your Time
I understand how easy it is to procrastinate, especially when faced with difficult or monotonous tasks. Who wouldn’t prefer scrolling through Instagram to studying math or writing an essay? But discipline is essential. Set study times and commit to working for at least 25-minute increments, with five-minute breaks in between (known as the Pomodoro Technique). Do five sessions before taking a longer break, and you may be surprised at how much you accomplish.

3. Reward Yourself
Give yourself a reward for completing significant tasks. Whether it’s a sweet treat, time with friends, or a break on your phone, these small incentives can help keep you motivated. Sometimes, the promise of that reward is the only thing keeping you going—and that’s okay. Just make sure you get the work done.

The end of any academic year can be stressful. But remember, all hardships eventually pass, making room for brighter days. Even if you weren’t a top student this year, give your last exams and assignments every bit of effort you can muster—you may surprise yourself. Don’t count yourself out. Remember that every major success starts with smaller victories along the way.

What are your favourite study techniques? What challenges have you faced during the 2024 academic year, and how are you actively overcoming them?

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