The first major stepping stone in your life takes place tomorrow, if you are one of the 115,000 Irish students who sat the Leaving Certificate examination this year. And, what a series of examinations it has turned out to be. Filled with mishaps, leaks and blunders, anticipation, speculation and overall uncertainty: Wednesday 12th will be a day you will never forget.

Already most have undergone huge changes, such as leaving school and secondary education, waving goodbyes to friends, and moving on with their lives. All of this, despite ridicule from some, is a truly difficult process, of which no person cannot feel upset or lost about. These emotions of dubiety will lie present in all those awaiting results for the dreaded 'points  race' that we have become accustomed to in Ireland. A race which determines, from learn and recall exams, a persons ability to learn and develop in a third-level course. No test about character or interest, purely how much you can retain and release.

Whilst yours truly enjoyed breakfast today, deciding what I would speak about, it was certain that this important day would have to be dealt with. Thoughts evoked in my mind to what would be an appropriate way to tackle this scenario, and surely it is one which would be different to everyone. The wonderful words of Mary Schmich from the Chicago Tribune in 1997, more commonly recalled from Baz Luhrmann's song "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)" are truly appropriate. Some would argue and state that the writing is clichéd now, and wholly overused, but I would disagree. The words are more relevant as ever, timeless, even.

Tonight, if you are geared up ahead of your verdict, wondering if you will be celebrating or commiserating, sit back, relax for a few minutes, and take some time to listen deeply to the lyrics of the song. You will feel better. It's both beautiful, and moving. You can reflect on the past five or six years from secondary, ruminate on the examinations, and hope for the future. The Leaving Certificate is only the start of your great life to come, which is only as you make it, and not determined purely by your points. They mean a lot, but they are not the be-all and end-all.

Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind… The race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself...

Good luck tomorrow to all students. Take it easy, enjoy yourself, and don't get too worried. If you do well, superb. If you don't, never mind. This is that doorway, but there are many more too. Options are always available, and there for the taking. Cherish the moment, the memories, and focus on how much you've achieved, whatever it is to you. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your
life. Craft your own path.

"Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)" by Baz Luhrmann