Students graduating this year have n number of reasons to say – Why Me! 2020 is a year full of curveballs – due to the pandemic, the entire system has been disrupted and there has been an impact on the student community. The circumstances are challenging for people across all age groups and students are facing their own set of unique problems. Due to fluctuations in the exam dates and other factors, perhaps some students haven’t been able to give their best in their exams and the results were not what they expected. There is uncertainty about the academic year ahead and students are confused and anxious as they are having to modify or completely change their plans for their future endeavours. Plans to go abroad have been disrupted – and perhaps other students are battling with the dilemma of what they should take up next. 

As the saying goes – “When life puts you in difficult situations, don’t say “why me?”, say “try me!”. The pandemic and the roadblocks it has brought are temporary. Know that nearly everyone in your age group is in the same boat as you are – in fact, your experience is shared not just by your classmates, but by students across the world! There has been a positive shift in the education paradigm in the last few months which will have long-term benefits ahead for students. Gap areas are being identified and solutions are being found. In tangent to this, you can also use this opportunity to evaluate your own growth and career goals – are there certain things you could do better? Identify past mistakes and use this time to improve on those. Dive deeper into your subject specialisation. You are likely to find that certain skills or subjects apart from your regular curricula will give you an edge over the others – use this time positively to learn those. You can do this by pursuing an online diploma or certification courses in an area of your interest.

Although it can sometimes feel like everything is going downhill, pause for a second and look at the bigger picture. Every single person has gone through various highs and lows in their educational and professional journeys. If you speak to your elder siblings, family members, teachers, senior alumni – chances are that they all have similar tales of roadblocks from different chapters of their lives. The best part is that every single one of those difficult moments have passed, and have made the individual stronger, more resilient, and more competent. For example, take the case of our beloved ex-President APJ Abdul Kalam. A man of great laurels – he was a beloved teacher, a scientist, President of India, recipient of Bharat Ratna and father of the country’s missile program. He was once in a fix because he narrowly missed the chance of becoming a fighter pilot by just one spot. He had come ninth out of the eight positions that were available at the IAF.  He went on to become an icon for India and a role model for students across the world. These are Abdul Kalam’s thoughts on facing challenges - “This is my belief: that through difficulties and problems God gives us the opportunity to grow. So when your hopes and dreams and goals are dashed, search among the wreckage, you may find a golden opportunity hidden in the ruins.”

Everyone certainly has a similar tale to share when they felt like the world was collapsing down on them but things eventually worked out fine. The pandemic seems that way for many people but trust that you have put in your maximum effort and continue to do so.

The most important thing one can right now do is to stay focussed on long-term goals. Similarly, know that among other things, exams are only a stepping stone on your journey. There is always a silver lining for those who are looking for it. By cultivating a solution-oriented mindset even during difficult times, you are setting yourself up for a fruitful and long career ahead - and you will certainly achieve all your goals. 

All the best!