The end of secondary school is a significant milestone in a young person’s life. It’s a time for celebration, the awarding of diplomas, and a period of intense pressure, as students must pass exams, accumulate all the necessary credits, and plan their post-graduation path. This period can be very stressful for graduating students, who must juggle academic expectations, apply them to university, and make decisions about their future.
Thierno Diallo is a 12th-grade student facing the usual challenges of the end of secondary school, particularly exams. He says these exams are his biggest challenge this year, as passing them determines his university admission. Fortunately, he has already accumulated the necessary credits to graduate. He only has one exam left to complete, and he plans to focus more on his studies after Ramadan to ensure he does well. Thierno has already applied to several universities and received offers of admission. After graduation, he plans to continue his studies to get a good job in the future. He says he isn’t feeling much stress right now because he feels well-prepared and confident. “Grade 12 is difficult, very difficult, especially with the exams, but it’s also the last step before a new beginning. I’ve prepared myself and I’m also motivated by what awaits me after graduation. It’s not just about getting my diploma, but also about starting to build my future.”
Like Thierno, many Grade 12 students have planned their future. Some want to pursue university studies to become doctors, engineers, or entrepreneurs. Others prefer to go to college, learn a specific trade, or enter the workforce directly. Whatever their choice, graduation represents the beginning of a new path filled with opportunities.
