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Maya Kumar

"Hell Term": The self-fufilling prophecy?

Much like every grade twelve, I spent my first week of school saying how I couldn’t believe I was in “Hell Term”.


I have now come to despise this stupid phrase.


Sure, I will agree that this term has been “Hellish” in a sense - every time I have finally checked everything off of my to-do list, I ‘helpfully’ receive a new Teamie notification about an upcoming IA draft, or test or something to do with the library phone ban. Whilst sorting through Teamie notifications is a fulfilling hobby (Teamie is, of course, my favourite social media), I often find myself wondering when I get to take a break. When do I get to just ‘unplug’ and relax without the looming thoughts of EE deadlines and predicted grades? I suppose that is what makes this term Hell Term: the inescapability of the academic workload. But I’m sure you don’t need to hear more about someone complaining about the IB.


The phrase "Hell Term" perpetuates a narrative of fear, dread, and the inevitability of hardship. When you step into the school year with the belief that it will be impossibly difficult, it already sets the tone for the upcoming months. Instead of approaching challenges with an open mind, we are mentally defeated before we even begin. I recall my first week of school already being incredibly nerve-wracking, as the very discussion of IA deadlines that were more than two months away was already starting to scare me. Language and perception are powerfully intertwined. When we continuously affirm a narrative, especially one of negativity, we subconsciously align our actions and reactions to fit that narrative. The constant chatter about the hardships of the "Hell Term" among students only amplifies the mental stress and contributes to a groupthink mentality, making it harder to rise above the challenges or seek a different perspective. Hence, the self-fulfilling prophecy.


Moreover, the connotation that such a phrase carries is equally as powerful in shaping the approach we take in the first place. Many students feel that there is an expectation that they must be drowning in work, and hence when they are not, instead of being appreciative, many are just waiting for the next thing to happen to them. When we get time to relax, we subconsciously are continuously stressing about tasks that we must complete, continuing to place emphasis and pressure on academics. Additionally, this self-imposed pressure perpetuates the idea that we are never doing enough, that any moment of rest or relaxation is undeserved or a precursor to a storm of tasks. The belief that "Hell Term" means a continuous onslaught of work means that any lull or calm period feels unnatural or even worrisome. This not only deprives us of truly enjoying our downtime but also pushes us into a perpetual state of anxiety. Moreover, because there is this expectation associated with the term, many other people feel justified in setting obscene amounts of work and simply saying, “I know it’s a tough time for you guys”. The fact that this term is acknowledged and appreciated by various people, but is never truly addressed just seems like salt to the injury.

You’re going to tell me that I’m in the midst of Hell Term, but also continue to set unrealistic deadlines in which you know half the class will ask for extensions? It’s very much an “it is what it is” approach to academic stress, which acts performative at best and insulting at worst.


That being said, there is an argument to be made about the benefits of using such a phrase. While the term "Hell Term" may seem negative and daunting on the surface, it's essential to understand the catharsis that it provides. By labelling it, we reclaim some agency over our struggles, recognising them as a universal rite of passage rather than a personal failure. Instead of believing, “I’m so stupid, why am I not able to cope,” it may be sometimes easier to feel that sense of solidarity, knowing that almost everyone feels some amount of anxiety and stress. Whilst this may not be a positive thing, in actuality, the relief and comfort that it offers is beneficial in a way. The term offers a collective identity, in a world where academic pressures often make us feel isolated, knowing that others are going through the "Hell Term" too can be oddly comforting.


The Hell Term label is a double-edged sword. On one side, it encapsulates the feelings and struggles that grade twelve students grapple with, providing an avenue for shared understanding and catharsis. However, on the other hand, it sets an expectation that can exacerbate the pressures and anxieties students already face. The term’s power lies not just in the words themselves but in the collective mindset they foster. As we navigate through such pivotal academic times, it's crucial to remember that while labels can offer solace and understanding, they should not confine or define our experiences. When this occurs, it becomes the self-fulfilling prophecy, where we are encouraged to wallow in our self-pity and are bound by a sense of learned helplessness. Instead of being trapped by the expectations of the "Hell Term," we should challenge ourselves to seek balance. Even if that means turning off Teamie notifications and deleting the Google Chat app from your phone.


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