Striving for perfection can be hazardous to your health, says a former Sydenham student who once feared this time of year.
Catholic Regional College graduate Rachael Ferraro says she struggled under the weight of expectation at exam time.
But after help from teachers and a Keilor psychologist, the La Trobe University student is on her way to becoming a paramedic.
Ms Ferraro, 20, wants to guide the next generation of students who are terrified of tests.
“I’ve always been a perfectionist and when it came to
my year-12 exams, I was overwhelmed with feelings of failure and not
succeeding in my future plans post-VCE,” she said.
“The psychologist helped me control these emotions with strategies
I still use today during university exams. When feeling negative, focus
on what you know rather than what you don’t. Set realistic goals and
refer back to them when negative thoughts arise.”
Keilor psychologist, teacher and hypnotherapist Justine Knott said
studies showed stress interfered with memory and concentration.
‘‘It’s a shame when students who have studied hard
all year don’t perform to their potential because of stress and
anxiety,” she said.
Ms Knott will run a three-hour seminar for year 10-12
students at the Brimbank Park Conference Centre in East Keilor on
October 1. Call 9331 7391.
