Pensive: Disciplining the nerd within!

By Sarah Mahmood

How many times have you not gone to a school funfair because midterms are just a month away? Similarly, how many times have you simply refused to accompany your family on a picnic-trip because you are unable to take time out of your busy quiz-assignment-project schedule?

Grades remain the single-most important entity in a student's life. True, that should indeed be the case. The problem however arises when a student is unable to balance his or her other roles that are just as important in life. In addition to being just a student, he or she is a social animal too -- one who has a family, friends  neighbours and a million other relations thanks to Facebook.

I know numerous people out there who are diehard 'grade-crazies'. A mark and a half less than what they expect and there you are! Lots of moaning and lots of grudges against the poor teacher are all you get to hear for a good couple of days following the result. And what happens before a mere 10-mark quiz? "MY GOD!!!we had a quiz? Why did no one tell me? My oh my, give me the book, GIVE IT TO ME!! (I'm going to have a heart-attack!!)"

RELAX!!! A quiz is not the end of the world, neither is an exam. Study for the content, the knowledge that the book carries and not for grades! Have you noticed how these grade-prone nerds also tend to be the most selfish beings on earth? A little help is all you ask and every friendship gets blown to smithereens.

Thus, in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is extremely important to maintain a balance in all your activities. Stay happy!