Rather than spending time feeling guilty and wondering why this has happened to you, accept that everything happened exactly as it was supposed to, and exactly as Allah had written for you.

Each year, we are fortunate for this opportunity to improve, reset or start over. So start with gratitude.



Allah tells us in the Qur'an:

"If you are grateful, I will surely increase you (in favor);" [Quran 14:7]

Even something as simple as saying Alhamdulillah can make things better. It demonstrates patience and obedience to Him, but also provides instant relief for yourself.

This is not the same as minimising the issue at hand and pretending not to care. Instead, it is accepting the decree of Allah, recognising there are changes to be made and having tawakkul that Allah will surely open doors for you.

The wonderful thing is that, if you prepare very well, you will inevitably produce better results and learn valuable life lessons along the way.

2. Bad results build good character

The lessons we learn following poor results, and in the efforts to rectify them, develop our character traits. These include; humility, patience and open-mindedness. You will naturally gain the tenacity to persevere and build confidence from the hard work you are putting in.

The Prophet (SAW) said "The most beloved servants of Allah, to Allah, are the best of them in character." [Tabaraani]

Plus, being at a low point, and feeling as if you have nothing to lose, gives you the urgency you need to push to be in a better situation. Ultimately, enduring hardship helps to mould us into better versions of ourselves.

And before you know it, you will have become the mentor for someone who was once in your position.

3. Take some time to reflect

Look back on what goals you had previously. Do you still have the same goals as last year, or do you need to write down new ones? Think about what went well last year and what aspects can be improved to help you reach your goals.

Some things you should check:

• How is your time management?
• What are your most common distractions?
• Do you have the resources that you need?
• What is your learning style?

Figure out and tackle anything that puts you off from studying. Conversely, remind yourself what inspires and pushes you on. Every student has subjects or modules that they don't enjoy as much, but this shouldn't be an excuse to study them any less. Remember to look at the big picture i.e. if this subject brings you one step closer to reaching your goal, then you must spend time and effort on it.

Make being reflective and observant of yourself, your surroundings and experiences a regular habit. It will improve your introspection abilities, interpersonal skills and problem solving. These, in turn, will work wonders for you in education and career development as you will be able to manage yourself and relationships better.

If studying is becoming (or has always been) difficult, it may be worth getting assessed for learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. These can negatively impact grades and many of us don't know we have them until later in education. Your institution will be able to provide the support needed for individuals with learning difficulties to help them progress.

4. You are not alone in this

The year ahead will be a challenge, and feel lonely at times, especially if you are taking a gap year or resitting the year. But, it will feel less daunting if you bring others along on your journey.

Here are some way you can enlist the help of others:

• Use your support system. Your family and friends will want to see you do well. So share your concerns with them, and they can help alleviate pressure as well as keep you focused on your goals.
• Ask your teachers or professors for feedback on your progress, strengths and weaknesses. They have a wealth of knowledge, and can offer you resources and tips for exams. If you are going through difficulties in your personal life that may have impacted your exam performance, it is always worth mentioning this to them, as they can direct you to the appropriate support.
• Speak to students who aced their exams and study with them if possible. Consider starting a study group as a means of sharing and consolidating your learning, and helping others too.
• Find a mentor, an experienced person in the field you are interested in working. They can give you advice on how to excel and use their own experiences to guide you. There are plenty of mentorship programmes available, so speak to one of the learning/ career advisors at your institution on how to join.

5. Taking a gap year? This might be a blessing

The decision to take a gap year is a big one. Especially if you had planned to continue on to the next academic year or go to university, but your exam results don't allow for this.

A shift in perspective will help you to see that what lies ahead is a whole year of precious time for self-development, to do good and to explore interests in other areas that you would otherwise not get the chance to. Surah Al Asr puts beautifully what we should be focusing our time on:

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

By time,

Indeed, mankind is in loss,

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

[Quran; chapter 103]

Think of ways you can add value to yourself and others during this time. Below are a few things you should consider working on over the year.

A. Building your skillset

Skills are the way forward in finding opportunities outside of education.

Find something you are interested in or enjoy, such as a hobby, and work on it consistently. Everyone has something, and you don't need to be spectacular to start with - the idea is that you cultivate the skill by investing time (and money if possible) to a point that you will be good enough to contribute to society. It will also help you figure out what you would like to do in the future with your professional life.

Look into projects that you can join, and don't be afraid to start something yourself that you think will bring good. Social media is a good tool for seeking out opportunities.

Employers and universities will look at how you spent this year to evaluate your character and value as a candidate for their institution. The leadership skills, teamwork, creativity and initiative that you demonstrate through these projects are incredibly valuable, and will certainly set you apart from the rest.

B. Managing your finances

Nobody likes to talk about money and the education system doesn't teach us about it, but money is what makes the world go round and it's our own responsibility to learn how to manage it.

Becoming financially independent will happen very quickly, and developing financial literacy will aid you in making important decisions and reduce stress in life.

Look into budgeting, determining your source of income, create financial goals for the next few years and understand what is halal and haram. Investing is a key element in Islam but there are different ways to do this that you could research. But, don't go about this alone - ask people you trust to help you understand this matter better and guide you the right way.

There are some good resources and figures who provide a wealth of information on the internet:

• Islamic Finance Guru
• Ali Abdaal
• The Break
• Investopaedia
• Your bank

6. Build your relationship with Allah

Take care of your relationship with Allah and He will take care of you. This means creating habits that Allah asks of us, starting with the basics of establishing the five daily prayers, reading The Qur'an, being good to parents, giving in charity and making du'a amongst many other good deeds.

Allah tells us:

"As for those who believe and do good, We will certainly absolve them of their sins, and reward them according to the best of what they used to do. "

Surah Al-Ankabut [Quran, 29:7]

The challenges and struggles of studying and gaining knowledge are a means of pleasing Allah and receiving His blessings and rewards.



I hope this next year for you is one of growth and achieving the results you need in sha Allah. Never forget Allah in all that you do and keep your tongue moist with the wonderful words of His remembrance.