Looking back at their achievements

Receiving the Daily Star Award was far more than just a milestone; it was a revelation that hard work and consistency do not go unnoticed. Having always associated the award with prestige, it had long felt quite out of reach, largely because I had a habit of wearing self-doubt like a scarf around my neck.

Achievements like these set the tone for the remainder of one’s academic journey, and the recognition The Daily Star gives young learners is encouraging in more ways than one. It helped me believe in the potential I had so often underestimated and reminded me of the importance of holding myself to a high standard.

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- Zara Zubayer, award recipient from Mastermind, O level (2024) and A level (2026)

Getting grades you dream of is one thing, but getting the award felt like the validation I needed at a time I thought nobody would take me seriously. It was honestly a bit of a pinch-me moment; it felt surreal. Recognition at a national scale like this was unthinkable at the time.

It was a standard set by the very best; I'd spent years staring at my older sister's award medal, wondering if I'd ever be able to achieve it. It's something you only dream about.

Such recognition is really important for young students, because it adds to the unmatched payoff that comes with working hard. Celebrating excellence only tends to create opportunities to birth more of it, as it doesn't just provide motivation; it also validates their hard work and boosts their confidence to do more in the future.

- Adib Ar Rahman Khan, award recipient from Sunnydale, O level (2019)

Receiving the Daily Star award was both an honour and a deeply meaningful moment for me. It was a reminder that dedication, consistency, and a willingness to learn never go unnoticed. This recognition gave me greater confidence to keep challenging myself and striving for excellence in everything I do.

What makes initiatives like The Daily Star O & A Level Awards so impactful is the encouragement they provide to students and young professionals at the beginning of their journeys. Recognition inspires confidence, validates hard work, and motivates individuals to dream bigger while continuing to grow. It reminds us that every small step, every late night, and every challenge contributes to something worthwhile.

I am truly grateful for this recognition and hope it encourages many more young individuals to believe in their potential, embrace opportunities, and continue pursuing excellence with passion and purpose.

- Anubha Arani, award recipient from European Standard School, O level (2019)

I was incredibly excited. It felt amazing to see all the hard work I had put in finally being recognised. Receiving the award felt like another milestone in my journey, something I can always look back on with pride.

To me, this award reflects my hard work, consistency, and perseverance. More importantly, it gave me the confidence to keep pursuing difficult goals, knowing that persistence eventually pays off.

My dad believed in me even during the times when I struggled to believe in myself. He always reminded me that a bad result means a bad day, not a bad student. His constant encouragement, especially during my lowest moments, gave me the strength to keep going.

Awards like this serve as important milestones. They remind students that their dedication and effort have been noticed and appreciated.

- Farhana Kabir Tanisha, award recipient from British Standard School, O level (2023).

There was the nervousness of walking onto the stage in front of everyone, but that quickly turned into excitement as I realised I was finally seeing the results of all the hard work I had put in.

I made a promise to myself that I would complete my O Levels with outstanding grades, and I kept that promise. When many people around me doubted that I could finish eight subjects in a single session within a year, I chose to believe in myself instead.

Awards like this give students something tangible to work toward. They acknowledge the countless hours of effort that often go unnoticed and turn that hard work into a memorable milestone. More importantly, they show young students that excellence is worth striving for and encourage them to keep pushing their own limits, regardless of where they start.

- Mueen Walee Maheer, award recipient from PenField School Dhaka, O level (2023).

Receiving the Daily Star Award for my grades in the O level exams was quite a special moment for me. It acted as a motivation that helped me thrive further in my academics and also in my workplace currently.

My sister has recently sat for her O level exams, and this has made this award more special, as I hope my achievements inspire her as well and remind her that perseverance and devotion to one’s work are always fruitful.

I believe accolades like the Daily Star Award are quite important in a young person’s life since they act like a confidence boost that helps one to keep going. One has to have faith in themselves first, and then great outcomes will follow, and working hard always helps with big dreams.

- Zaima Mashiat Nabi, award recipient from Sunnydale, O level (2019)

Receiving the Daily Star Award was a truly special moment for me. It felt like a reminder that the long hours, setbacks, and quiet effort behind every goal are worth it.

Recognitions like this are so meaningful because they encourage young people to believe that their work matters. Sometimes all it takes is someone recognising your potential to inspire you to take the next step. I hope it encourages other students to keep pursuing what excites them and continue working hard even when the journey feels uncertain.

- Maisoon Amina Rahman, award recipient from Sunnydale, O level (2019)