A mighty feat
by Nilma Dole
Sachitra Shamaali Gunawardena
was just an ordinary student studying at the Devi Balika Maha Vidyalaya
but she became a household name when she acquired Sri Lanka’s highest
marks and best OL results last year. “I never expected to secure the
highest marks and it was a pleasant surprise because I never was the
typical studious type” she said.
 Mentioning that she was an above average student, she said that one
need not be a bookworm to pass with great results but just doing well at
the exam and being focused and not stressed. “I think exam stress and
worry cause anxiety and this is not a healthy factor in passing your
exams” she said.
The sixteen year-old who was born on September 27, 1993 said she got
plenty of support from her engineer father and lawyer mother but they
never pressurised her. “I took my own time to study which was either
studying early in the morning or even at night.
There was no fixed time to study but I managed to revise constantly
in order to remember points and understand what I was studying” she
said. Shamaali said that she studied at school which was instrumental in
setting her foundation in order to do well in her exam. “It was my habit
to ask questions promptly to clear my doubts without lingering over a
problem so I depended on my school teachers a lot” she said.
In that way, she managed to understand and pay attention in class to
do well at the exam. “The school teachers at Devi Balika were very
accommodating and helpful because if I had a problem, they’d be willing
to assist. Also, I had friends who supported me if I had any doubts,”
said Shamaali.
For subjects such as English and Maths, Shamaali did have to take
tuition because she felt that it was better to stay focused and practise
instead of just relying only on homework. “I think it’s good for any
student sitting for an exam to take extra help just to be on the safe
side” said Shamaali who has an elder brother who also passed the OL
well.
As for the AL, Shamaali will do Science and is keen on studying
Biology. “I’ve always dreamed of being a doctor and I hope to venture
into this field” she said. Her hobbies include writing in both Sinhala
and English plus she is also an avid swimmer. “I was also a part of our
Globe Society in school and also had the title of Junior Prefect and I
hope to do more for my school” said Shamaali.
Shamaali says a big thank you to her school saying, “I thank my
principal, vice principal and all our dedicated teachers.” Further she
added, “I thank my whole family and friends who stood by me through
thick and thin.” Shamaali advises all students taking any exam to review
and revise on a daily basis but never pressurise yourself. “Pay
attention and and ask questions,” she concluded. Shamaali is a fitting
example of how you can pass with flying colours with patience and time!
|
