SEE is merely a bridge, not a destination

Shreeya Maharjan

The publication of the SEE results on May 11 brought a wave of relief and celebration across Nepal. I want to sincerely congratulate the 65.98% of students who cleared this hurdle and achieved their desired grades. Your hard work has paid off, and begins a new chapter of your life.

However, amidst the congratulatory posts, this celebration is overshadowed by reports of a student taking their own life due to their results. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the grieving family. Tragically, this is not an isolated incident. History shows that in Nepal, every time national results are published, they are followed by a grim cycle of news reporting similar unfortunate events. This recurring pattern highlights a toxic; long-standing pressure placed on students. While the media often focuses on the high scorers, we are failing to address the silent, deadly pressure felt by those who fall short. This tragedy is a stark reminder that as a society, we have turned a 10th-grade examination into a "life-or-death" verdict.

We must stop telling our children that their GPA defines their entire future. The SEE is merely a bridge, not a destination. To the parents and teachers: please look beyond the marksheets today and prioritize your children’s mental health and well-being over GPA; tell them that their life is infinitely more valuable.

While those who passed should be celebrated, those who are struggling must be protected and supported. Therefore, I urge every student to remember that a single examination does not define your future; be kind to yourself, stay strong, and know that you can always try again and succeed next time.