When the daunting, nerve-wracking moment of declaration of board exam results arrives, why are students obtaining above 90% highly expected to possess strong aspirations of becoming engineers or doctors? Bleak moments prevail when parents become dictators and proclaim victory in deciding the lifelong profession of their kids when they have every right to figure out their destiny.
Some academic preferences are forced to proceed in such a swift manner that students finish their degrees submissively out of obedience without any igniting passion. Likewise, if they lack interest, life transforms into regretful, less hunky-dory moments. They flunk on the way without attaining any glitters in their stature, that leads to existential crisis or being a Nihilist.
Scoring high marks is a great achievement, but the repetitious trend of taking up science stream is not always the best solution. A medical student might want to pursue a degree in journalism, and an IIT student might always have a massive desire to become a musician. There is so much opportunity that provides a brighter prospect to young passionate hearts—when one door is closed, another door always opens, if one chooses to explore wisely with an open mind. It takes a long and winding road to realize our roots and become an expert in it.
A break is crucially required to absorb positive vibes in order to discover one’s choice of interest and passion. In terms of decision making, it exhibits a clear concept of one’s interest, illuminating the conscience with a view of the bigger picture. When an individual strives for his flaring passion wholeheartedly, he becomes unstoppable, and the learning outcome outshines at every angle.
In western countries, the act of taking an academic break is culturally embraced as an exclusive trend. With a well-organized work culture, young graduates gain a wonderful chance of emancipation to root out the sparks of their passion. I often wonder if their parents grant them the liberty to have such freedom. On the contrary, India has a different perception of taking an off-break where students are rushed to pursue higher degrees without any actual self-realization.
My childhood aspiration was to be a veterinary doctor due to my absolute love for animals, especially dogs. After finishing class 12, I enrolled in a medical coaching class. For three years, the result of my preparations remained less fruitful. Even on my third attempt, I failed to crack the exam. At last, I realized that veterinary science was not suitable for my oblivious demeanour. Moreover, euthanasia would have caused enormous trauma if I had become one.
My life transformed fabulously when I ventured beyond my comfort zone and switched my course to tourism management. My volubility has enhanced with fluent articulation. The skills I have attained instilled the will to carry on. Exploring different destinations with the amalgamation of unique experiential learning has imparted a clear concept in shaping my destiny. Looking back, I do not count those three years of medical preparation as wastage; it was indeed a break to find ‘my’ path.
The benefit of taking a break shows you a route that leads to an enticing rejuvenation of discovery with the value of one’s worth. Life becomes a roller-coaster, especially in times of finalizing decisions in deciding the path to follow. Selecting academic options swiftly only hinders the notion, leaving young learners in a perplexed state of mind. Opportunistic breaks are remedial moments to prevent the cracks and voids without hellish regrets.
Sometimes, success skips a generation. Some achieve their goals at an early stage while some take time off. Reality is not chasing the wind wherever it blows, because, in the end, our main target is to become financially supportive and self-independent on our own feet. In fact, I have experienced the beauty, and I do not see any flaws in taking a break off. Either way, I have embraced it.