“I will pass with flying colours!” I exclaimed determinedly, fighting the urge to sleep. My Weighted Assessment One was approaching, and I wanted to do well to make my parents proud. I looked at my timetable with pride. I had packed it to the brim with tuition classes and self-study sessions.

The next few weeks were torture. I studied day and night, not allowing myself any breaks. I gave up my hobbies. My usual smiles had turned into frowns, and my heart weighed heavily. However, I believed that I could only do well if I sacrificed my leisure activities. So, I soldiered on despite my heavy eye bags.

I thought I would ace my exam.

Instead, I failed miserably.

A tremendous wave of shock surged through my body, reducing me to tears. I had given up everything, but I could not reap the fruits of my labour. Tears streamed down my cheeks like a raging waterfall.

“What’s the matter?” Kai Xin, my best friend asked me, her genuinely concerned look soothing my spirits. I made myself vulnerable and poured out my woes.

“I know you have worked diligently,” she commented hesitantly.

“But why not schedule breaks into your timetable? We absorb information better when our minds get to rest!” She then spoke louder, as if encouraged by her own words.

Her simple suggestion hit me with jarring force. In my desire to excel in my examination, I had neglected the need for proper rest. All those sleep-deprived nights had made me oblivious to the truth. No wonder I had failed! I resolved not to make the same mistake for Weighted Assessment Two.

Without further ado, I started to revise for my exam — but with a key difference. Scheduled between my study sessions were my other non-negotiables. They included quality time with my family, outings with my friends and even time to do nothing in particular. I expected that the quality of my learning would deteriorate, but on the contrary, I found that resting sufficiently boosted my energy and strengthened my conviction to do well. I was glad to have followed Kai Xin’s advice.

And my new timetable enabled me to perform. I improved so significantly from my dismal Weighted Assessment One results that my teacher complimented me profusely. She said that I was a role model for the class to emulate.

In the end, I learnt an important lesson: all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. I resolved to strike a balance between studying and playing in the future. Kai Xin’s well-meaning advice had changed my study habits for the better.