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Students who have completed classes 10 and 12 board examinations will have to make one of the most crucial decisions in their lives that can change their fate, that is, choosing the course or stream. Parents, too, share the burden as they are concerned about the future of their children. While some are sure of what they want to pursue, others remain undecided even after the results are declared, mainly due to their failure to identify what they want to do in life or their utter ignorance. Social expectations and parental pressure do not make the task of choosing the right course easy for students. Instances of parents forcing their children into taking certain courses are not uncommon, and this is common even among highly educated parents. There are also cases of students who write exams like the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) for years in the hope of studying medicine or the Joint Entrance Examination to get admission to premium technical institutes but are left frustrated after failing to crack them. Unfortunately, many bright students end up spoiling their lives due to misguidance and a lack of contingency plans. Failure can be more painful if the reason is because of a forceful imposition against one’s own will. Even if successful, there are chances of being left dissatisfied and discontented. Such an unwanted scenario can be avoided by giving students the freedom to choose a course that will allow them to profess a career they are passionate about.
Teachers and parents can play a vital role in helping students identify their career path based on their interests, having witnessed them grow as individuals and in academics. They should remember that any action, either in the form of advice or pressure, that is against the will of students can be counterproductive. There are also cases where students choose the courses and subject combinations based on the marks scored in the board exams. However, one should pursue something they love, not something that others love and want you to love. It is also equally important to study in a genuine and right institute to realise one’s dream. Sadly, thousands of students are being duped by fake universities every year, despite warnings and listings of such varsities at regular intervals by the University Grants Commission. Those pursuing professional courses like nursing and engineering are more susceptible to such fraud. To avoid wastage of time, money and energy, parents and students should cross check credibility and courses offered before taking admission to a college. Blindly going by the information provided on the internet or on the official websites of educational institutions can prove costly. Students should not put their futures in the hands of fraudsters. They can also spend the holidays resourcefully by opting for a refresher course, preparing for entrance exams, assessing their interests or doing research about the institutes they want to study in. Above all, students should value their passion and leave no room for blame.