File picture of students on their way to take admission in colleges

Self estimate vital, not college rating

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 19: The admission season is drawing to a close and students are preparing for classes. And if you are still to find a college of your choice, take heart.

“Every child has a dream college in mind, and when that wish is not fulfilled, it causes frustration. Inward frustration leads to depression while outward frustration results in aggression. A depressed child develops suicidal tendencies and here, the role of parents is very important. They should counsel them and lift their spirits,” said Namita Mohanty, psychology professor at Utkal University here.

She said students must learn to take failures in their stride and move on in life. “We teach our children how to set big targets in life and how to succeed. Parents must orient their children from a young age in such a way that they learn to accept failure. Sometimes peer rejection leads to depression but remember, a true friend will always be your side and encourage you,” Prof. Mohanty said.

What is most important for students is that they should introspect and understand their aptitude and areas of interest, and then look for options, said well-known academician and principal of Sai International School, Bhubaneswar, Arun Prakash. “And while applying to a college, they should not go by the ratings, but conduct an in-depth study of the colleges they are interested in,” Prakash said.

He said students, who fail to get admission into their preferred institute, must not be frustrated but use the opportunity to prove their mettle through hard work. “Moreover, the concept of learning and the role of colleges and teachers have changed dramatically over the years. There are several opportunities available outside the classroom. The internet can provide way more information than a teacher would be able to give you,” Prakash added.

Sociologist Navneeta Rath said it was natural for students to be upset if they fail to realise their aspirations and they must reflect on their performance in the previous examinations and learn from their mistakes. “Students who don’t get into their preferred institutes might not get the motivation to attend classes. But that is not how one must cope with the situation. Every institution has its plus and minus points and students must try to locate the advantages and make full use of them,” Prof. Rath said.

Getting admission in a so-called prestigious college was not the passport to a bright future, said Dusmanta Sahu, principal of BJB (Autonomous) College, Bhubaneswar. “It is a very wrong notion. In fact, many students, who enrol in a good college, are not even serious about their career. If you fail once, it does not mean you stop dreaming for bigger and better things in life. I would advise students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and work on them,” he said.