Schools re-open this week after the spring holidays. Most Year 12s would have spent the break hitting the books in final preparations for the “big one”.

High levels of stress, anxiety and doubt would be part of the mix of emotions rippling through the minds of these young people (and peers across NSW) as they contemplate life after school, career paths, job markets and the adult world.

They are under huge pressure to get the best possible HSC marks and obtain the ATAR figures to qualify for their chosen university courses. It is about getting good results to help get a job now or get into university or other tertiary education and start building their careers.

But what happens in one exam, or the result that comes from their HSC or ATAR numbers is not the pivotal moment that defines their life. 

It might be hard for them to believe that now as they try to cram in the last few days, but it’s true.

The HSC is just another stepping stone in the path to their desired job, career or lifestyle. It is not the end, it is a beginning.

Achieving less than they hoped for now is no block to a happy future and life. It is not irredeemable. Students who get results lower than they expected can have another go, take other courses or routes to beef up their qualifications.

Legend says Albert Einstein failed maths at high school. Even if that was a myth, his career took twists, turns and serious setbacks. Whatever the challenges, he became a world famous scientist. The top levels of business, government, academia and all other fields have their own examples. 

Things aren’t like they used to be. Clocking up four decades in a job or working at one company for life isn’t the norm anymore in our rapidly changing environment, where everything is at the click of a button.

The path to success and a happy life is a winding one. Lessons from everyday life will also help shape students’ futures.

Certainly students should try their absolute best in the HSC – they have put in the hard yards already. But, they should not be depressed by any setback. Try, try and try again. and they will ultimately succeed.

The Cowra Guardian wishes the best of luck (and results) to all students completing the HSC and school in 2016.