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Dreams and hopes
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The transition from school to college evokes mixed feelings in teenagers. For, they are at a crossroads as they have to decide their course of life, writes T. SARAVANAN.
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ENTERING COLLEGE means a lot to boys and girls, passing out of schools. For, they are at a crossroads and have to choose their options carefully. Already, the glut of engineers has created a negative impact on students as evident from the fact that more than 10 per cent of engineering seats are lying vacant in various institutions, this year. Further, the computer bubble had burst, forcing the students to opt for different courses other than computers.
For all of them, the day one in college will be memorable. For, it brings a lot of cheers as the hard grind of academics, and of course, the schoolboy tag all come to a close when one enters the next stage in life.
As and when one finishes his school life, he or she feels elated and thinks of having grown up. Hence, some of them walk into the college campus with heads held high. On the otherside, there are students, who might be seen loitering around in pensive mood for having not secured a seat of their choice.
Still, there is another category of students, always seen with hungry faces looking for possible avenues to climb up the ladder. The hope of getting better in terms of education and personality development is the thing all of them share in common.
"Now the condition is not the same as it was a decade ago. Earlier, students, aspiring for a particular subject, sometimes had to face a situation wherein they had to land in some other subject, not to their liking, even though they would have opted for the subject as their second choice. But, now they never compromise on their studies as they pretty well know that they have been entrusted with the job of deciding their own course of life," says a senior lecturer of Thiagarjar College of Engineering.
"I know my limitations. That is why I discontinued my engineering studies and joined English literature. Exorbitant fee structure and poor quality of teaching have forced me to take this decision," says Omprakash, a I year student.
"I am happy, for, I believe there will be no restrictions, as in schools. I am independent and I can decide on my own," says Martin, another new entrant.
"Only sustained hard work will ensure success, in any field, for that matter," says D Samuel Sudhananda, principal, the American College.
The American College made elaborate arrangements for an orientation programme for the first year students. With fear and anxiety writ large on the faces, the `juniors' tread into the college. Just when they are at a crossroads looking for where to go, a group of students (must be their seniors) rush to their rescue, ushering them into their respective department information counters, wherein the new entrants are given the badges and information booklet carrying details about the building structures and the programme schedule.
"Just to facilitate a smooth entry for the new entrants, we have been conducting this programme wherein we introduce the college to the students and welcome them into our tradition," says Stanley Mohan, Head of the Department, English (UG), The American College.
The II and III year students of the Yadava College accorded a warm welcome to their juniors, presenting roses and ushered the first year students into their respective departments.
"We do not want our juniors to come into contact with thorns ahead. Hence, we have presented roses for their smooth entry into the college life," says Nagarajan, II year student of the Yadava College.
"This is a highly competitive world. What the student needs now is relevant education. The education should facilitate the student to perform well in public life. But quite unfortunately, many of our subjects are outmoded. Hence, we have introduced a programme called `ONE = ONE + TWO', wherein each student, apart from their regular degree, will have the facility to study a certificate course and a diploma course. Hence, when they come out of their college, they will have a degree, a diploma and a certificate in courses of their choice," says G Thiruvasagam, principal, Yadava College.
"We have introduced 14 job-oriented diploma courses. For example, for the benefit of Tamil literature students we have introduced journalism and mass communication courses and for the commerce students, we have started a diploma course in practical account writing," says Mr.Thiruvasagam.
On the first two days, the students will have nothing but get to know about the college and its functioning. Only on the third day, classes will be conducted. "One good thing we have done for our students is that we have insured all our students under the group insurance scheme. In case of any untoward incident, the parents or guardian of the students will stand to gain Rs.5 lakhs," reminds Mr. Thiruvasagam.
"What is good about our college is that we have asked our seniors to be present and guide the parents and freshers even during the time of distribution of applications. They help the aspiring boys and girls and their parents to fill application forms and guide them to submit their applications," says Mr. Thiruvasagam.
A majority of parents and teachers agree that motivating students who have opted for arts subjects, is important in the present scenario, as the student community has lost faith in these subjects.
But every one believes getting into an engineering college or a medical college is not the be-all-and-end-all of everything but excelling in their respective field of study is paramount.
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