Samantha Buss

Firstly, a huge well done to everyone who’s submitted coursework, sat exams, or just made it through this academic year. That’s a big achievement in itself and deserves to be recognised. I hope you all get the grades that you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

I also want to acknowledge that for some of you, this period isn’t over yet. You might still be waiting for results, preparing resists, finishing deferred assessments, working on your dissertation, or navigating an extension. It can feel like the pressure is still on – and if that’s where you’re at, please know you’re not behind, you’re not alone, and your journey at Surrey still matters just as much.

Wherever you are in the process, this time of year can bring a lot of pressure, questions and comparisons. So, here’s a reminder that you might not hear enough: your grades don’t define you. They are not the sole determinant of your worth, potential, or future success.

Wellbeing Reminders in the library during Don’t Worry Surrey (2025).

More Than a Number

University is so much more than the number that shows on your transcript. Yes, grades matter – but they’re only one piece of a much bigger picture. Throughout your time at Surrey, you’ve developed skills that no module mark can capture: communication, emotional resilience, leadership, adaptability, empathy, and initiative. Whether through societies, volunteering, part-time work, placement, or just turning up on the hard days - you’ve grown as a person. 

Politics Society celebrating winning a Quiz at the Lake

Grades don’t always reflect effort. You might have pushed yourself to your limits - emotionally, mentally, physically and still not got what someone else would call a “good grade.” But for you, that result might represent huge personal growth. No one else gets to define your success.

No Comparisons; No Pressure to Share

It can be tempting to compare your results to others or feel pressured to talk about them. But please know, you don’t have to tell anyone your grades if you don’t want to. Someone else’s dream grade might be yours, or yours might be theirs. Your journey is your own, and that’s what makes you unique. Instead of focusing on being the best, focus on doing your best - that’s where real self-growth lives.

The Psychology Behind It

Psychologist Carl Rogers once said in his book “On Becoming a Person” (1961) that people focus on grades because they believe it’s what helps them maintain their sense of “Self” -that they’ll get a job, be accepted, and prove they’re enough. But ironically, what truly shapes your career isn’t just the grades – it’s the learning, the skills, and how you grow as a person (Blum, 2020).

In fact, studies show that focusing too much on grades can block real learning (Knesek, 2022; Brookhard, 2022). Motivation driven by fear of failure or external rewards often reduces creativity, curiosity, and well-being. It’s the love of learning – what Maria Montessori believed in when she founded her first school in 1907 – that creates confidence, independence, and long-term growth. That’s what we should nurture.

Me speaking publicly at Union Ball 2025 – even if I mispronounced some names, sorry! I would have never imagined I could have done this before joining Surrey.

Me celebrating my PTO, Natalie Savva, for her hard work in the Support Zone alongside your Support Coordinator, Craig.

My Story - And What Actually Shaped My Uni Life

I’ve completed both my undergrad and master’s here at Surrey - and trust me, it wasn’t always easy. I’ve faced my own challenges, but what’s truly shaped me has been the experiences outside the lecture hall.

• Working with Nightline as Publicity Officer and seeing the compassion peers have for each other is something I will hold close.
• Being a Peer Supporter, with space to reflect with trained counsellors and feel part of a strong support network.
• Getting involved in training like Active Listening and Bystander Intervention - I’ll never forget how engaging our now Union President, Liam, (2024-25) was as a facilitator!
• Speaking at Politics Society events, running hustings, and debating with staff members - something I never would’ve imagined myself doing before uni.

Those moments helped me grow into someone who can speak publicly, hold respectful disagreements with academics, and understand that the student voice matters.

Representing Surrey Nightline and our Support Services at Wellfair

My CV? Sure, my qualifications are there - but the rest of it is what tells the real story: the skills I’ve gained, the people I’ve met and helped, and the causes I’ve supported.

Support Is Still Available

If you didn’t get the grades you hoped for, or you’re unsure about next steps, please know you’re not alone. Our Academic Advice team is here for you, whether you’ve had to extend an exam, are planning a resit, or are just not sure what to do next. You can reach out in confidence.

Even after graduation, the Careers & Employability team are still here for you – for up to three years! We want to see you flourish, and we’re here to help however we can.

Surrey Varsity (2025) – Your Union are here to support you!

This Is Not the End

This moment - your results - is just one part of your journey. Grades can open doors, yes, but they don’t lock you into anything. What matters more is how you show up for yourself, for others, and for your future.

We have a brilliant alumni community who prove every day that there’s no one path to success. And we love seeing what our graduates get up to - in every field, all over the world.

Here’s a photo from the 2023 Surrey Big Weekender- yes, you’re welcome back, and, yes, you can return to Rubix!

 “Learning is not a product of schooling but the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” – Albert Einstein

 Be proud of everything you’ve done this year. Celebrate the learning, not just the letters on a screen. And give yourself some time to recharge – whether that’s seeing friends or family, getting outside, or doing something just for you. 

Ninja Warrior Trip 2025 – End of Year Celebration

References:

Blum, S. D. (Ed). (2020). Ungrading: Why rating students undermines learning (and what to do instead). West Virginia University Press.

Brookhart, S. M. (2022). How to give effective feedback to your students (2nd ed.) ASDC.

Knesek, G. E. (2022). Why focusing on grades is a barrier to learning.  Harvard Business Publishing. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/inspiring-minds/why-focusing-on-grades-is-a-barrier-to-learning

Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person. A therapist’s view of psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin.