Many believe the HSC to be the most important thing a young person will undergo, that it is essentially the culmination of their childhood and their last great challenge before stepping out into the real world.

But the stress and strain that comes with the HSC is often too much for students.

The pressure placed on kids – and that’s what they are, children – by parents, teachers, society, and even themselves, to excel can sometimes be excessive.

The HSC is no doubt important but it is not the be all and end all.

And there is one simple message for students – you are not alone.

Everyone goes through the HSC and, as unlikely as it may appear right now, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thousands of possibilities await you after you leave school that will in no way be influenced by your result in the HSC.

At the completion of these exams you have the chance to follow your passion in life – whatever that is.

It may seem like a rather romantic idea, but it’s true.

Whatever you want to do in life, you have the ability to go and do it.

Don’t let people tell you that a bad result in the HSC is the end of the world.

In fact, your real life, the life you choose, is about to start.

From the Maitland Mercury, good luck to our 2014 HSC students.