Sleep-deprived and restless, our students have been anxiously awaiting their results of the HSC – the final hurdle of 13 years in the classroom. 

The HSC is the culmination of two years of assessments and exams, resulting in an ATAR, a single mark which determines which universities will accept you into what courses.

It can be so easy to lose perspective of the bigger picture when your head is stuck in a book studying and cramming for exams or putting the final touches on essays and assignments. 

Gunnedah students were no different. When they sat down with the NVI on results day on Friday, it was clear they felt an overwhelming sense of relief that it was all over.

They said they spent two years working so hard to get the results they had been chasing.

Feelings of excitement and relief washed over them as they were accepted into their respective university courses based on their results.

While some embark on the new adventure of heading to university and others will remain local to take up a trade or work, it is such an exciting time for these local young adults and the start of a new chapter.

It is important to remember, however, that those who didn’t receive the marks they wanted should not be disheartened. 

The HSC is not the be all and end all.

We congratulate those who performed amazingly and whose dedication saw them receive the results they were after. 

But we also remind those disappointed with their result, that you can still achieve great things. 

There are so many avenues we can take in life to get to where we want to – university is only one of many. 

Arguably, the real test is only just beginning. 

For many, finishing school marks the start of a life on their own two feet. 

Many will move out of home for the first time, learn to cook for the first time and will navigate new towns and cities whose busy roads make Conadilly Street in peak hour look quiet. 

We wish all our young students – school leavers and otherwise – all the very best as they make the daunting and exciting transition into adulthood. And for those about to embark on their last year of school, remember to keep it all in perspective.