At times, life seems tough and we wish there were a smoother roadBut no matter how desperate a situation is, how out of place you may feelHow unattractive you seem to be among the othersIt only takes one thing, just be yourself.Do not feel discouraged if you get lower marks than you did the previous termDouble the effort and you will succeedLook at yourself as a winner because losing is not an option.You cannot be good at everything, so accept what it is you are good at, and stick with itNever try to hide who you are.A teacher of mine once said, "The only shame is to have shame”Always stand up for what you believe inQuestion what other people tell you and do not accept to be taken for grantedNever regret the past, for it’s a waste of timeAlways know that confidence dispels all fear. This is a reason for everything, every mistake, every moment of weaknessEvery terrible thing that has ever happened to youThe only way you can get command respect, is if you respect yourselfDo not apologise for being you unless you are a total jerkKnow that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacleIf you want to be the master of your life then, just take one step at a timeAnd be yourself.By Falonne Murenzi is a S5 Science student at Riviera High School