Balancing Determination and Focus as a Student

Being a student requires determination and focus. Every subject comes with its own expectations, and every semester bring challenges that test your patience and commitment. As a hospitality student, I balance both theory and practical classes, which can be mentally and physically tiring. It is not always easy, but I know that to achieve my goals, I must stay grounded and consistent.

Learning to risk, was one of the hardest lessons. In class, you are taught methods and given notes, but when it comes to applying that knowledge in real life, you cannot always be sure how things will turn out. Sometimes, I have walked into my practical classes feeling prepared, only to realise there is always more to learn. The same goes for exams or assignments. You will never know if the effort you put in will pay off the way you want. I have discovered that taking risks, even small ones, is part of growth. Whether I succeeded or stumble, I walk away with lessons that make me better prepared for the next challenge.

Some days are harder than others. There are mornings when I wake up motivated, ready to tackle my to-do list with energy. And then there are days when everything feels heavy. When lectures drag on, deadlines pile up, and I cannot find the energy to keep going. It is in those moments that I remind myself why I started. I came here with a purpose, and I have dreams that depend on me pushing through even when it feels impossible. On the tough days, I remind myself that rest is part of the journey too., and that slowing down does not mean giving up.

There are times when I struggle with consistency. I try to stay disciplined, but being human means I also have my low moments. Sometimes, I end up eating whatever is easiest, skipping meal prep, or falling behind on assignments because everything feels overwhelming. I have had my days where my study session turns to scrolling on social media, and I regret it later. But I know that setbacks don’t define me. What matters is that I always return to my goals, no matter how many times I fall. Consistency does not mean perfection; it means choosing to get back up every single time.

Balancing practical and theory classes has also taught me about resilience. Standing for hours during a practical can be exhausting, especially when you still have notes waiting for you at home. Sometimes I question if I am strong enough to handle it all, but then I realise that every tough day is building my character. Each challenge is proof that I can push past my limits and keep going. That resilience is something I will carry with me beyond school, into every part of my life.

I come from an ordinary family, and I know the sacrifices it took for me to be here. There is no backup plan or family business waiting for me; I must make my own way. Instead of letting that pressure break me, I use it as motivation. I want to show my family that their support means something. I want to build a future that they can be proud of. And most importantly, I want to prove to myself that I can achieve the life I dream about.

At the end of the day, being a student is not just about getting good grades. It is about developing discipline, building resilience, and learning how to keep moving forward even when life feels overwhelming. Every late night, every stressful exam, and every difficult class is shaping me into someone stronger. And though I may get tired, I never give up, because I know that every step I take brings me closer to the future I want.