Enjoying it while it lasts

With junior college admissions on hold, Class 10 students are on an ‘extended vacation’.

With junior college admissions on hold, Class 10 students are on an ‘extended vacation’.

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ICSE students got their Class 10 results on May 19. Those who want to switch to the HSC board have been waiting for junior college admissions to begin for more than a month. The CBSE Class 10 results were declared on May 28 while the SSC results were announced on June 17.

Students have been trying their hands at short-term courses in canvas painting and calligraphy to sports camps to steer clear of the admissions anxiety. Prerna Joshi (15), who scored 95.09 per cent in her SSC exams, is learning table tennis classes. “This keeps my mind off from the admission tension. Had the admission procedure started, I would have not got to learn the sport,” said the Borivli resident. “What has to happen will be decided by the court. So, I thought that she might as well learn a new sport,” said her mother, Aparna Joshi. Similarly, Mansi Dodia, who scored 86 per cent in her SSC exam, has joined canvass painting classes.

Student counsellors also advice to use this time productively. “If they are confused about subject choices, they can meet professionals from the industry and clear their doubts. Those who are facing severe anxiety should seek professional help,” said Dr Fabian Almeida, psychiatrist and counselor.

A few students have extended the hobby classes they joined during the vacation. “I decided to join the next level at my dance classes as the admission process has been delayed,” said Andheri resident, Divya Udaipuri, (16).

Fatema Lakdawala (15) is learning to make sandwiches and pizzas on days when her mother decides to take time off from the kitchen. “I learned to cook rice. It is exciting,” she said. Her cousin Mohammed Lakdawala (16) has been maintaining accounts at his father’s shops and attending swimming and basketball camps.

On the other hand, Thane resident Anurag Gangal (15) wakes up at 7 am, to attend private classes to understand calculus and integration from the CBSE board textbooks. “These classes will help me enhance my knowledge of mathematics and as I plan to take up science in the HSC board. It will also give me an edge over the others,” he said.