I am 16 and am studying in class XII. My class XI CBSE results were not good, and I am confused about what to pursue after class XII. I had considered biotechnology but my parents suggested that I don’t opt for it as it doesn’t have any scope in India. I have chosen a combination of subjects math, physics and chemistry along with the optional subject as informatics practices. What do I do? — K. Keerthana
Dear Keerthana,
Please choose a course that aligns with your long-term goals. Are you are passionate about improving the quality of people’s lives through research? Biotechnology is a highly interdisciplinary field that combines biological sciences with engineering technologies to find and research living organisms and biological systems to produce products that aid healthcare, medicine, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals and environment control.
Since biotechnology is in its nascent stages in India, many students tend to get disillusioned with the limited opportunities when compared to IT and computer science. However, in the past decade, the Indian government has set up numerous research institutions of national repute conducting research in cancer biology, stem cells, genetic engineering, biomedical sciences, and so on. Some of the best innovations and developments today, have emerged from biotechnology, be it in genomic sequencing technology, natural alternatives to pesticides or production of bio-fuels and developments in stem cells technology. The rest of course, as always is your inherent interest in the subject and your informed choice of the institution and university.
I am 22 and last year, I completed my B.Tech. in electronics. I secured the fifth rank at the university level among 700+ colleges in UP. After graduation, I worked in an MNC, but soon discovered that it is not the place for me. I want to become a Grade A government officer, probably through engineering services, but first, I want to get an inspector-level job. I am a single parent child and now I don’t want to burden my working mother. She has already done a lot for me beyond her capabilities and continues to do so. I have given SSC CGL, IB, and DMRC JE exams, and am awaiting the results. But waiting requires patience, and I want to know what I should do at present so that it will benefit my career. I am improving my general knowledge and once again preparing for SSC CGL for this year while awaiting the results. Please guide me further — Subham Gaur
Dear Subham,
That is quite a feat. Congratulations to you, and I am sure your mother is proud of you. I understand that the corporate life is not for you. Would you want to join the defence forces as a technical officer? That might be a great avenue for someone like you, who wants to be a grade A government officer through your engineering services. There is always a need for technical officers, in these forces. I would request you to go through the IAF and the Indian Navy official websites and look for details to join them as a direct entry, whilst awaiting your results of the various entrance exams that you have written. Your grit and determination will find the best opening for you. Trust that only the best will happen for you! Good luck to you!
I am 16. I feel shy to ask this, but I have been viewing pornography since I was 13. I feel guilty and want to give up this act, however, the temptation is too high. I am unable to enjoy my achievements as I feel I am being untruthful to my hardworking mother. Please advise me — Anon
Hi Anon,
Thank You for writing in. I applaud your courage to have spelt out your issue. There is nothing wrong, immoral in having viewed porn. The problem I sense is more than ‘just viewing’ — as you say, the temptation is too high and often, it becomes a continued pattern, a forceful behaviour, failing which you are not functional — and that is addiction. I am sure you will agree that any form of addiction is not healthy. At 16, your body is undergoing different changes (physically, emotionally, and the raging hormones only make it more difficult to understand what is happening), and I wish there was a caring adult, who could educate you and talk to you about these things, so that you are well informed about the process of growing up, aware of the safe boundaries of self exploration and healthy coping mechanisms to deal with your urges, and know what is acceptable behaviour.
The biggest challenge of viewing porn is that it provides young individuals with a false image of sexuality. Many adolescents and teens who watch it develop a distorted, unreal sense of intimacy and physical closeness, making it impossible to maintain a real romantic, healthy relationship. They also become inhibited, anxious, and depressed. What do you enjoy beyond watching porn? Tell yourself that you will use your energy for other interesting activities. You have acknowledged the problem; avoid excessive alone time. Do you enjoy a sport? Running, football, swimming, basketball, cycling — expend the excessive energy that you have by being physically active. Engage in meaningful activities. Strengthen your support network. . Figure out your life goals and get moving towards them. Meet a therapist if you believe that you need help.
I am 18 years old and I have just completed my class XII. I am. however, confused because I am interested in journalism and mass communication, and also want to crack the UPSC exam. I am aware of how it is difficult to juggle journalism and UPSC preparation. Also, another problem for journalism students is that there is no optional subject favourable for them, due to which sometimes I try to convince myself to opt for a B.A. in political science, although I don’t have much interest in it. I am confused — Shivani Chauhan
Dear Shivani,
Please identify for me what are you passionate about. Where do you see yourself five years from now? The clearest you have been is on your decision not to pursue B.A political science. Work on your strengths. What subjects did you enjoy at school? Journalism and mass communication have great scope today, but that doesn’t mean you have to give your UPSC exam goals. If you are certain that you want to, please be prepared to burn the midnight oil — yes, it is tough but not impossible. Many students appear for them whilst studying, working full-time, and also doing odd jobs to make ends meet. No pain, No gain. The optional subject could be something from school that you were good at and liked. Set a realistic plan and go forward in a stepwise manner. Good luck.
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 has worked extensively with students and young adults across a range of issues. She will answer questions sent to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com. The subject line should be: ‘Off the edge’.
