Come June and as colleges open their doors to a new batch of youngsters, waiting on the threshold, these youths are a bundle of nerves and hopes, apprehension and anticipation and curiosity and caution. The transition from the sheltered school world to college is a huge leap; it marks the official end of childhood and heralds the beginning of a new epoch. There are those who dread the thought of college as something out of their comfort zone, but with many, it's something they've been looking forward to from the fag end of school life. Thanks to perhaps how popular culture portrays it, expectations are high, but the Gen Y yuppie is more confident, informed and poised to step forward.
Veni who has got admission into a city college is tentative yet curious. “I'm quite afraid at the prospect of entering a totally new atmosphere. It's because I've been with people who I've known for 14 years. But not a single friend of mine will be accompanying me to college. That makes me anxious! But on the other hand, I'm truly excited to meet new people and hope to make loads of friends.”
The first day at college triggers various emotions. ‘Will I fit in', ‘Will the girl in the red dupatta be my friend,' ‘Is this professor really as strict as he looks?', ‘Maybe I should stay away from the seniors; they're so intimidating', ‘I hope my attire is ok.' There are many veins of doubts that run through a fresher's mind.
After 16 years of 40 minute periods, uniforms and an established posse of friends, the relative relaxation in rules, freedom in choice of clothing (though strict dress codes abound) and onus on individual performance can be exhilarating or distressing, depending on how you view it. While some struggle with the idea of change, others like Tandon, a soon-to-be engineering student, sees it as the natural progression of things.
“College is my next goal post and I'm looking forward to it with enthusiasm. Personally, I think it is a stepping stone to success as it is here we get the chance to fulfil our desired goals. I hope it would be a great experience.” Sometimes getting a realistic picture from siblings and friends helps to stay rooted; Tandon for one labours under no delusions. “I know it would take time to settle down, get to know people and make friends for I guess there would be students from different social, economic and cultural backgrounds. But, I think I'll eventually get along.”
Needles to say, admission time is nothing short of chaotic. While the lucky few end up with both college and course of their choice, there are many who are forced to compromise on one or sometimes both.
Switching colleges for post graduation too can be equally taxing as Anbumalar who graduated from her hometown discovered while moving to a different city for post graduation. “Though I had three years of college life, I found out that each institution offers an experience of its own. I found it difficult staying away from home for the first time. I was terribly homesick, though I loved the new experiences. Fending for myself was something I got used to only after a period of time. I hated coming to this place, but now I love college more than anything.”
There is also a sense of nostalgia that associations with school carry. This may weigh heavily on students who cling to the already ‘good old days'. As Neela says, “I'll miss the smart uniform at school meant exclusively for senior students. But that's ok. Think it's time we gave our juniors a chance,” she adds with a reconciliatory grin.
Published - June 16, 2011 07:58 pm IST
