This was published 15 years ago
Another day closer to the end
A day in the life of Megan Lee, 17, a student at Danebank Anglican School for Girls, Hurstville.
6am: As the days become shorter, the early mornings have become more onerous. The alarm reminds me of a looming assessment in 90 minutes. A friend and I compare notes while drinking caramel lattes, both hopeful the caffeine will help us survive the essay awaiting.
9am: With 10 pages of possibly indecipherable writing on Romantic paradigms in Wuthering Heights handed in, and with stresses alleviated, I savour the few moments when year 12 seems completely conquerable.
10am: Period one is spent in Economics, dissecting the highlight of the economic year, the budget, as well as the highlight of first semester, the half-yearly report. The budget evaluates issues and achievements in terms of quantity and quality, forecasting the economic climate. On a significantly smaller scale, yet equally important stage, my school report helped to do the same.
11am: A study period. In the prehistoric age of year 11, we defined these by the attractive nomenclature of, "frees", characterised by socialisation or sleeping. However for year 12, this is invaluable time, enabling me to manage competing subject homework, creating opportunity to study in the night.
Lunch: A prefect meeting. Later, I sit down with friends. The vibrancy of the common room at lunch forms the soundtrack of year 12 life: the musically talented playing guitars, the ''bing'' of the microwave, and the constant excited chatter.
1.30pm: Mathematics and Legal Studies. The shift from exponential functions to the exploration of children under the law, brings balance to conclude an exhausting day.
4pm: After seven hours of mental exertion, fast-paced transitions between subjects, and stresses rising over upcoming exams, I escape hectic HSC pressures with a gym session and soccer training.
7.30pm: I study most at night when I am free of the many distractions of the day. Tonight my focus is my Extension Two English critical response, followed by mathematics study for a coming assessment.
12am: I succumbed to sleep and to the frustration of limited hours in the day competing with the satisfaction of being one day closer to the end. In year 12, each day is a pulse in the heartbeat of HSC. One moment you're on top of the world, the next you're begging for the agony to end.