Dealing with Setbacks
Akosua always wanted to be a doctor. She was the pride of everyone in her family.
She was a science student in senior high school. Unfortunately, Akosua’s father lost his job and things became difficult.
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Her father could not afford to pay her registration fee to enable her to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
When he finally was able to pay for the registration, the problem had affected Akosua very much. Akosua wrote the exams but her performance was not so brilliant so she failed to make the mark required to gain admission to medical school.
She was extremely disappointed, but remained very interested in matters related to health. She opted for a degree in nursing and completed with first class honours.
Akosua also excelled in her line of duty and undertook several courses to upgrade herself. What Akosua went through could happen to anyone - whether in school or out of school. Things don’t always go as planned.
Sometimes obstacles occur and make your goals and dreams difficult to achieve. These obstacles are called setbacks. They make it difficult for you to move forward and sometimes even send you backwards. For instance the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has affected Ghana and the world at large.
Most schools in Ghana and abroad have been closed down to reduce infection. The high death rate caused by the disease is alarming and the it is also affecting the economies of many countries. All these are setbacks.
Setbacks can be very hard and disappointing. They can happen because of events beyond your control, as such change in the economic status of your family which may cause you to move to cheaper school or live with a family member.
This can be very difficult. But you have to be practical and positive and look for an alternative just as Akosua did.
Whatever setbacks you encounter, don’t lose heart and don’t give up. Try to solve the problem. There’s an expression, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” which means if you’re determined. You’ll find a way to succeed.
Sometimes setbacks occur because of problems with you. It could be that your strengths aren’t suited for the path you’ve chosen or your attitude towards what you are doing.
When this happens, you need to take a good look at yourself, think about your strengths and weaknesses. What can you do that will make the most of your strengths? You will never know what you are capable of doing unless you make an effort to do something. Do not simply talk about it or hope it to happen.
Work at it now. Remember, success doesn’t mean becoming a superstar, having fashionable clothes or a lot of money. Success is very personal. Since most of you are home, continue to study hard you can consult your friends or your teachers on the phone if you have any difficulty in any of your subjects
For most people, success means feeling good about yourself and what you do. It is about yourself and what you do. It is about your happiness, spiritual richness, your wisdom, creativity and determination.
You hold the key to your future and achievement of your dreams so give it your best shot.
