I scored 90% in my class X exams. Being among the toppers, it was difficult to opt for the humanities but I managed to convince my parents and chose my dream stream. Back then, the only thing I had in mind was to score well in class XII and join any of Delhi university’s top college, preferably St Stephen’s College. Despite having low percentage (below 95%) in class XII, I managed to get through. I got my dream combination in the BA programme at St Stephen’s College. Since I am from J&K, Delhi’s hot weather made me sick and my health conditions worsened. My friend with whom I was living there, left. As I was scared of staying alone, I cancelled my admission and returned home to resume college in Srinager. Obviously, I am regretting my decision, but I am convincing myself that one can achieve goals anywhere, and it has nothing to do with getting a degree from a reputed college. I don’t know how much it is going to impact my career and what I ought to do to compensate this loss. — Shayista Jahan
Dear Shayista,
You are so brilliant and wise at such a young age. I understand the deep sense of disappointment, regret and remorse that you perhaps are experiencing right now, doing your course at Srinagar instead of St. Stephen’s, Delhi. The college campus, friend’s circle and the faculty must all be so different. But, you are right about that the fact that one can achieve goals anywhere. You proved this with your X/XII scores and your course choice. Please ensure that you don’t compromise on your educational pursuits and continue being a keen learner. Today, everything is available at the click of a button, be it journals, articles, reference materials that you need to watch, learn, read or write. Make sure you stay focused and conscious of that, and keep yourself abreast of every happening in your course/field of choice and interest. Opportunities will open up for you when you are ready. Till then, work on improving and enhancing your existing skill sets.
I am 17, and have completed my class XII in commerce, scoring 95 in accountancy and business studies. I want to crack the UPSC exam. Should I opt for company secretary, chattered accountant, or both? Will these professional course me to achieve my goal? — Rajat Yadav
Dear Rajat,
What do you want to do and think you would enjoy better? You say you want to take the UPSC eventually. What and where is the plan for that? Doing CS or being a CA — both, are individual career options in their own right. A company secretary is responsible for the efficient administration of a company, particularly with regard to ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and for ensuring that decisions of the board of directors are implemented. The basic CS foundation programme is eight months long that can be completed in three years from the period of admission. A CA is a professional accountant who is qualified to take on a number of specific activities within the spectrum of accountancy such as as auditing financial statements, filing of corporate tax returns and financial advising. CA qualifications follows a diligent four-stage process:
Students who have cleared class X exams can apply for the Common Proficiency Course (CPC). Post class XII, candidates have to qualify in the CPT exam. After the CPT, IPCC, successful article-ship under an officially practising C.A has to be done for three years, after which comes the CA Final. Please work on a cost-benefit analysis or get the help of a career counsellor should you still be confused.
Initially, I was a curious and talented student, and a topper in school. But after class XII, I feel that my mind memory power is weakening. I have lost interest and am unable to put in 40% efforts to my studies. I am no more regular in my work . What do I do? — Shahjada Dilip Badshah
Dear Shahjada,
What happened during your XI and XII? What subjects did you take? Anything significant that happened at home or at school during those years, with you and your friends? What were your goals back then and where do you find yourself now? What would you attribute the seeming ‘gap’ to? You seem to have lost the ‘spark’, the interest, the drive and the motivation to snap out completely. Have you been feeling low lately? However, I believe the fact that you have written in is evident enough that you are seeking guidance and want to snap out of this feeling. Please meet with a good counsellor in your college/residential area, and have a detailed chat on everything that is bringing you down. Please know that this feeling of helplessness is fixable, but you need to have the courage to snap out of it, whilst it is still doable. Take care.
I was preparing for bank exams for the past two years. Six months ago, I got married and moved to my husband’s native place. I still keep thinking of getting a government job as it is my passion, but now, If I have children, I will not have the time to study continuously. What do I do? — Bharathi. S
Dear Bharathi,
You will need your husband’s help and cooperation in this. What does he feel about your dream? Does he even know that it is your passion and that you have written asking for assistance? Talk to him about your goals, and what you want to achieve in life. He is the only one at this stage, who will be able to partner with you to make your dreams a reality. If you have his support, he will motivate and encourage you. You can study and crack the bank exams, land a job, and then start a family.
Disclaimer: This column is not a substitute for long-term therapy. It is merely a guiding voice. Some issues may need medical intervention.
The author is a practising counsellor and a trainer. She will answer questions sent to eduplus.hehindu@gmail.com. The subject line should be: ‘Off the edge’.