Title: Once a Passionate Student, Now Losing My Love for School
I’m a 16-year-old girl from the UK, and I’ve always been the quintessential “perfect” student. From a young age, I’ve genuinely loved school and immersed myself in learning about every subject. I arrived early, eagerly participated in class discussions, achieved top scores in primary school national tests, and spent countless hours reading books.
When I took my GCSEs, I achieved 13 A grades, which should have felt like a monumental accomplishment. Instead, I felt… nothing. No joy, no pride—only a sense of numbness. Ever since that results day, it feels as if my passion for school and all my energy has been slowly draining away. I found myself staring at my grades, questioning whether it was worth all the time I spent studying instead of living and truly experiencing the world. Were those A grades really worth the countless hours I dedicated to textbooks? Was this it?
It’s like, overnight, my love for learning vanished. Now, I’m halfway through year 12, studying maths, further maths, chemistry, and physics for A-Level, and it’s proving to be incredibly challenging. I used to love going to school, but lately, I feel overwhelmed by boredom and demotivation whenever I think about the subjects I once enjoyed. Numbers no longer excite me, and learning about chemistry feels draining rather than invigorating. My grades have plummeted from a predicted A in September to a predicted D, and I find it impossible to push myself to change that, even though the anxiety it brings is overwhelming. I feel like I’m wasting my potential. Suddenly, sitting in a classroom feels uninspiring, and while science used to be my passion, now only art and music spark my excitement, and that terrifies me.
I’ve become disillusioned with school, which now seems grey and dull compared to the vibrant experience it once was. I’m perpetually exhausted, and every lesson feels like a slog. Since that fateful GCSE results day, all I want to do is spend my time outside or at home painting, writing poetry, or anything other than completing my maths and physics assignments. Why am I losing my passion for academics? How can I regain my motivation? I’m feeling so stressed and scared that come summer, I’ll end up with straight U’s, while my days are consumed with gardening or baking cookies—my new forms of procrastination.
In just six months, I’ve gone from racing ahead to falling drastically behind, and it terrifies me. Maths has been my lifelong love since I was four, yet I don’t recognize this burned-out, tired, art-loving, school-averse version of myself. I used to feel a deep connection with my teachers, who felt like family, but now I can barely engage with them without feeling a wave of resentment and moodiness.
I really need some help!!
Hey there, I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It’s completely normal to experience a shift in motivation and passion, especially after achieving such high expectations like you did with your GCSEs. Here are a few thoughts that might help:
Recognize Burnout: It sounds like you may be experiencing burnout after the intense pressure you put on yourself for so long. It’s okay to feel tired and unmotivated after pushing yourself to be perfect. Sometimes, when we reach a big milestone, it can feel anticlimactic, leading to feelings of emptiness or disillusionment.
Reassess Your Goals: Take some time to think about what you truly want to achieve. Are you pursuing subjects because they are expected of you, or do you genuinely enjoy them? It may be worth exploring the idea that it’s okay to shift your focus, even if it feels scary. Transitioning towards your newfound passions in art and music can be just as valid.
Create Balance: Consider finding a balance between your academic responsibilities and your creative interests. Allow yourself time to explore art and poetry without guilt. Sometimes stepping back from the grind can rekindle your passion for academics too.
Talk to Someone: Don’t hesitate to share your feelings with someone who can help, like a teacher, school counselor, or even friends who might be feeling similarly. They may offer support and ideas on how to navigate this challenging time.
Set Small Goals: Instead of focusing on the big picture, try setting small, achievable goals for your studies. Celebrating these small successes can help rebuild your motivation and confidence.
Mindfulness and Self-care: Engage in self-care practices to help manage stress. This could be anything from mindfulness meditation, going for walks outside, or creating art. Taking care of your mental and emotional health is essential during challenging times.
Explore New Learning Methods: Sometimes a change in how you engage with the material can spark new interests. Look into different resources like YouTube videos, podcasts, or hands-on experiments that can make subjects feel fresher and more exciting.
Remember, it’s okay to change interests and to not have everything figured out right now. This is a period of exploration and growth, and it’s important to be gentle with yourself. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. You have plenty of time to rediscover what you love in both academics and your creative outlets! Hang in there!