Robert Frost in the last two lines of the poem- ‘The Road Not Taken’, sums up the importance of making the right choice.
“I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
Very often we are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a good program or a good college for under graduation. Parents are in an even bigger dilemma as they are caught in a conundrum thinking there are only a few streams of study, which in their opinion are considered successful study options for their wards. Students too, with their greater reach in terms of information, peer advice and influence, and an obvious – ‘Which Road to take?’ predicament which sets in during this crux period, are not exactly sure about their future course of study.
This piece, coming from a teacher for 27 years is an earnest attempt to remove prejudices related to a narrow outlook towards future careers for students- one which has been fuelled by individuals and enterprises for their own selfish gains. There are numerous opportunities for students in the world that we live in. Gone are the days where only few options were available for students- either medicine or engineering- as it was in this part of the world, for ages. Choosing the right undergraduate program should be the prerogative of the student and to a certain extent – parents who, keeping in mind his/her strengths and weaknesses- agree on their ward’s future course of study. ‘Joining the bandwagon’ approach is more often than not the recipe for future failure, when it comes to choosing and pursuing a ‘popular’ course of study, just because everyone else is doing so. A good undergraduate program would undoubtedly ensure effective delivery of the curriculum, create an ideal balance of theory and practice, bolster opportunities to exhibit talent through extra and co-curricular events and competitions, provide encouragement to participate in sports while honing ones talent, promote good placement and internship options and above all warrant exceptional student experience- all to accomplish one’s potential and contribute fervently to their success.
What should be the X Factor and a few cues which one should look for before deciding to join an institution? It is so very easy to be swayed by the publicity and advertising tactics of some institutions? In today’s world the best way to catch up on the quality of the institution is the website and social media pages of the college. These pages reveal more than what meets the eye. What different departments do in a college is easily reflected through these pages. Good colleges do spend a lot of time ensuring that they display what the college does to deliver quality- both through the teaching process and also through the various co-curricular events. Good institutions do not depend on publicity through hoardings and behind the autorickshaw (tuk-tuk) poster campaigns as they believe in their robust systems more than these gimmicks.
Since I am part of the Bachelor of Arts ( BA) department at St Mary’s College, Hyderabad, I can vouch for the fact that our students are ready to face the challenges of the future confidently. We equip them with skills, exposure to the job market and opportunities to lead and collaborate. Not only do we ensure our students graduate with good grades but we teach them life skills. With a firm grounding in courses like Mass Communication and Journalism, Political Science/ Psychology, English Literature and languages, this is the perfect combo for our students to make a beautiful future for themselves. Our institutional values – Integrity, Excellence, Fairness, Respect, Value Creation and Happiness propel us to prepare responsible citizens of India and the world at large.
So, whether you prefer a BBA, BCom, BSC or a BA, you are guaranteed value for this choice of yours at St Mary’s College. Do reach us at: www.stmaryscollege.in