The Emotional Fight Behind My ACCA Success”

Sleepless But Strong: My ACCA Knowledge Level Journey of Doubt, Determination, and Gratitude

When I first started my ACCA Knowledge Level, I believed I was ready. After all, I had some background in accounting and a strong desire to succeed. But I quickly realized this journey was going to test me in ways I hadn’t imagined. It wasn’t just about mastering the syllabus , it was about facing my fears, pushing through exhaustion, and fighting self-doubt every single day.

Some nights, I found myself staring at my textbooks through tired, burning eyes. Sleep was a luxury I couldn’t afford. I pushed myself to study even when my mind begged for rest. There were mornings when I woke up feeling defeated before the day even began, wondering if I had the strength to keep going.

Management Accounting (MA) was the hardest mountain to climb. The concepts were complicated variance analysis, costing methods, decision-making techniques and they didn’t come naturally to me. I remember the frustration of rereading pages again and again, trying to understand formulas that just felt like an alien language. I failed more times than I can count. There were moments I wanted to give up, convinced that this subject was impossible for me.

But I refused to quit. Instead, I fought harder. I studied late into the night, rewrote notes until my hands cramped, and practiced mock questions over and over. Even when the concepts didn’t stick, I showed up again and again, holding on to the hope that one day, it would all make sense. And slowly, it did. Not because it was easy but because I was persistent.

Business and Technology (BT) brought its own unique challenges. The subject was heavy on theory and written answers, and English isn’t my first language. Sometimes, I knew exactly what I wanted to say but struggled to find the right words. I felt trapped by my own limitations, frustrated that my language skills made an already hard subject even harder. But I kept pushing, practicing writing answers, learning vocabulary, and slowly improving my confidence.

Financial Accounting (FA), while more familiar, was no walk in the park either. I thought I had a solid foundation, but FA demanded more than just basic knowledge. It required precision, deeper understanding, and the ability to apply concepts clearly. I gave it the same late nights and effort, realizing that every subject needed respect and hard work.

Throughout this journey, sleep became a scarce treasure. I remember days where I studied straight through the night, fueled by determination and, at times, desperation. My body was exhausted, my mind overwhelmed, but I refused to give up. I wasn’t perfect. I made mistakes. I doubted myself constantly. But I learned that true strength isn’t about never falling it’s about getting back up every time.

This experience taught me resilience, discipline, and self-belief in ways I never expected. It showed me that success isn’t just about intelligence, but about grit and heart. I became someone who could face challenges head-on, even when the weight of it all felt unbearable.

And I wasn’t alone.

Not every student is as lucky as I was to have a support system. My lecturers went beyond their duties. They organized special QBR (Quick Before Revision) classes that helped us review crucial topics efficiently. They held section-wise mock exams that gave me real practice and confidence. Most importantly, they shared tips and insights that turned overwhelming subjects into manageable tasks. Their dedication and belief in me gave me hope when I felt lost.

To those amazing teachers, I want to say thank you. You were more than educators & you were pillars of strength. Your effort, encouragement, and faith helped me push through moments when I felt like giving up. I will always be grateful for your support.

To anyone reading this who is struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or doubting themselves , know that your feelings are valid. The sleepless nights, the frustration, the fear they are all part of your journey. But so are hope, growth, and eventual triumph.

Keep going. You are stronger than you think. Your effort matters, and your perseverance will pay off.

When you finally cross that finish line, every sacrifice, every sleepless night, every tear will feel worth it. Because you won’t just have passed an exam .you’ll have proved to yourself that you can overcome any obstacle.

You are not alone. You can do this.