Dear Classes of 2022-25

You’ve got this.

Exams are hard to begin with and now you’ve been thrown a curveball. Across the country schools are either still writing exams in person, moving to online or rescheduling – sometimes all three within the same institution. That sure doesn’t help what is already a stressful time. On top of studying many of you are figuring out rapid tests, re-booking train and plane tickets and wondering if you’ll get home to be with your families over the holidays. This is not easy.

Beneath the facts and figures, multiple choice, and essays however, there is deeper learning. 

As you support your floormates with a cup of tea and help your roommate replace their lost ID, you’re building empathy. You may also be developing some for your profs who are changing things on the fly in environments that are traditionally very slow to change.

By adapting to fluid educational realities while also studying and revising travel plans, you’re developing resilience. I know, that’s a buzz word, but it’s true. Your mental toughness is remarkable and your capacity for quick recovery is clear.

With each residence restriction, extra-curricular revision, and inter-varsity reversal you’re building confidence. Confidence in your ability to overcome the next challenge, in your learning from each experience and in the belief that you have the stuff to pursue your next passion.

Empathy, resilience, and confidence. These are precisely the skills your communities, countries and planet will need from their next generation of leaders. They may not be written in the form of exam questions, but they’ll make a bigger impact on your life than any test you’ll ever write.