Today is the first day of the State Examinations here in Ireland.  We have 2 sets of these exams. The second set, which we sit at the end of our time at second level school are the more important because for most ultimately they determine third level choices. So in honour of the exams I’m going to share with you a little secret and I’m writing this down now in the hopes that I remember my mother’s sage advice when the 13 year old starts her State Examinations this time next year. PS. I feel old!