College Life: Dreams and Aspirations
‘College’: this word means a whirl of numerous different things for a schoolkid eager to eke out a bright future for himself. 21 st century is the era of competition and high ambitions, and parents and children are set upon planning the careers of the latter at times as early as since the sixth standard itself.
A high social self-esteem, motives for achievement and the notion of the survival of the fittest drives middle-class kids to dream and set their goals firmly upright. College for them denotes a phase in their lifetimes when they are fully grown as an adult; mentally, physically and intellectually equipped to achieve academic excellence and build a white-collar lifestyle. Reading the right books, acing perfect scores in the practice tests, and treading upon the recommended set of ‘co-curricular’ activities, teenagers leave no stone upturned to get into the college of their choice and to do well when they reach there.
It also signifies a spurt of independence or the ‘breath-of-fresh-air’ in the metaphorical manner of saying, the age and time at which students can finally dress up by their choice and set up an identity in terms of components including their physical appearance.
College is that site of ‘buzz’ evidently, where all the ‘vogue’ expressions; of fashion, music and modes of talking are exhibited. The scenes of the Indian cinema, articles in teen magazines and references in social media and web networking give vent to the cultural expression among the youth of ‘college’ as the physical entity of hallowed corridors enmeshed in a vibrant environment that portray latest clothing trends, the ‘cool’ verbal lingos, modern political opinions and the relaxed, composed ‘chilled-out’ style of going about life.
But of course not everything is bright and mushy associated with the dreams and aspirations of this phase. Adolescents also grapple with their ‘sexual’ identities and the changes in their bodies at this time.
Their perception of gender, and issues like drug abuse, alcoholism, ragging and smoking influences their social interactions among one another and with the seniors. Teens need to be properly educated about the aspects and dangers associated with untimely, unprotected sex and the biological damages caused in the long run by the addiction of drugs. Parents, teachers and the social media bear the moral responsibility to propagate awareness among the children and youth that it is not the appropriate code of conduct to mentally harass anybody, ridicule their physical incapability, or to hegemonize one’s will upon the others. The tussle to grab the power to influence one another’s self-esteem or self-image that runs in the minds of young adults could turn out to be quite deadly.
Psychologists and counselors worldwide agree that as kids step out of the confines out of their homes and school uniforms, and the protective authority of teachers and parents to live on their own, they require strong moral principles, and a sense of self-worth and contentment to lead a meaningful, conscious and upright life, to escape distractions and to fulfill their ambitions; and to make the most of their college experience with all the fun involved.
- Bhaskar Choudhary
‘College’: this word means a whirl of numerous different things for a schoolkid eager to eke out a bright future for himself. 21 st century is the era of competition and high ambitions, and parents and children are set upon planning the careers of the latter at times as early as since the sixth standard itself.
A high social self-esteem, motives for achievement and the notion of the survival of the fittest drives middle-class kids to dream and set their goals firmly upright. College for them denotes a phase in their lifetimes when they are fully grown as an adult; mentally, physically and intellectually equipped to achieve academic excellence and build a white-collar lifestyle. Reading the right books, acing perfect scores in the practice tests, and treading upon the recommended set of ‘co-curricular’ activities, teenagers leave no stone upturned to get into the college of their choice and to do well when they reach there.
It also signifies a spurt of independence or the ‘breath-of-fresh-air’ in the metaphorical manner of saying, the age and time at which students can finally dress up by their choice and set up an identity in terms of components including their physical appearance.
College is that site of ‘buzz’ evidently, where all the ‘vogue’ expressions; of fashion, music and modes of talking are exhibited. The scenes of the Indian cinema, articles in teen magazines and references in social media and web networking give vent to the cultural expression among the youth of ‘college’ as the physical entity of hallowed corridors enmeshed in a vibrant environment that portray latest clothing trends, the ‘cool’ verbal lingos, modern political opinions and the relaxed, composed ‘chilled-out’ style of going about life.
But of course not everything is bright and mushy associated with the dreams and aspirations of this phase. Adolescents also grapple with their ‘sexual’ identities and the changes in their bodies at this time.
Their perception of gender, and issues like drug abuse, alcoholism, ragging and smoking influences their social interactions among one another and with the seniors. Teens need to be properly educated about the aspects and dangers associated with untimely, unprotected sex and the biological damages caused in the long run by the addiction of drugs. Parents, teachers and the social media bear the moral responsibility to propagate awareness among the children and youth that it is not the appropriate code of conduct to mentally harass anybody, ridicule their physical incapability, or to hegemonize one’s will upon the others. The tussle to grab the power to influence one another’s self-esteem or self-image that runs in the minds of young adults could turn out to be quite deadly.
Psychologists and counselors worldwide agree that as kids step out of the confines out of their homes and school uniforms, and the protective authority of teachers and parents to live on their own, they require strong moral principles, and a sense of self-worth and contentment to lead a meaningful, conscious and upright life, to escape distractions and to fulfill their ambitions; and to make the most of their college experience with all the fun involved.
- Bhaskar Choudhary
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