Beating the system

The exams draw to a close for engineering colleges across the country. The sighs and whimpers of a significant portion of this populace is as apparent as it is expected. Once again, a month is spent dreading the arrival of the next semester. And once again, a month is spent awaiting the arrival of those numbers and letters that define a student in the eyes of the parents. This is not a log calling upon the system to change. It merely derides it.

Why is it that these grades are seen as better markers of performance than a student's ability to excel in a field of his or her choice? It can be said that at least a third of engineering students would rather be pursuing some other avenue. Pushed into these streams by peer or parental pressure, some of them trudge through, even if the goal is merely getting to the other side with the hope of a better, and perhaps more interesting, life after. Others grind through these years with no plans beyond these four and join the herds flocking to an IT company. Yet others choose easier ways out and drop out and attempt to rebuild their lives around a course of their interest. And then there are the few that lose hope and resort to escapism to deal with the mounting pressures brought upon them by an army of sheep pushing and pulling to secure the grades of distinction that a failing system bestows upon them. These few are not the only ones falling to the viles but they definitely are the ones worthy of that bit of pity. Whether it is alcohol, dope, smoke or being locked up in a room with a cup of noodles and a TV show for the whole day (A disclaimer that these are just examples might seem ironic), the fact remains that these methods are nothing but base, escapist tendencies. It must be easy for those without these indulgences to pass judgement upon the seeming lesser mortals. What should be considered is not their unsavoury act of leaving the path but the causes for the very straying. As mentioned, it is easy - a bit too easy at that - to mark them as losers, and move on without a second's thought.

Why does this start, anyway? Maybe, all the hours spent in a room full of marijuana smoke have a meaning that the "smarter" ones refuse to see. Be it a drop in GPA or a disillusionment with the educational system as a whole, each is a reason as good as the other for someone on the verges of depression to sink lower and give up on studies - or on life, for that matter. The onus is on the ones that still hold on to their sanity and sensibility to drag the others out, even if it means getting a little muck on oneself. It takes a pat on the back and a meal shared at a fancy restaurant to profess friendship but these hours of seeming attachment mean little if the need for a friend is not satisfied in those hours when someone is spiralling down into despair. Of course, the fault isn't entirely with the ones that are better off. There is some hesitation owing to the fear of seeming overbearing. This leaves a small gap between the two groups that must be bridged by some indication that help is needed. It isn't humiliating to go to a friend for help or to share problems with someone. Understably, this step is the hardest to cross and is where most of the connections break. Even so, a minute spent thinking about what is right might prevent a decision to end it all.

Most of what is written would appear somewhat directed and hence, a bit without meaning, but sit on it a while. If you're got friends that need help, don't hesitate. And more importantly, if you need help, don't keep it in. It doesn't have to be a beer buddy or even someone of the same sex. If you consider someone a friend, talk to them. Anything is better than wasting your life away. That's what friends do anyway - they look out for each other.