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Holiday, what's that?

Exams, coaching classes, interviews... summer vacation is today more work and less play

SANS LEISURE Vacations aren't all fun anymore

What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare?

— W. H. Davies

How true these lines are, especially to the Gen-X. They hardly get time to relax in this fast paced world. For those in colleges, exams are finally getting over and summer vacation is round the corner. But if you thought that vacations were all about taking a break and freaking out, then think again.

Today, summer vacation seems to have assumed a different meaning altogether for majority of students. We visited a few campuses and spoke to some students on what they plan to do during holidays. "I cannot afford to relax," says Sandhya. A student of Pondicherry Engineering College, the campus interviews coming up in May is the top priority for her. "I will be busy preparing for the interviews. The competition is tough and I intend to enhance my soft skills, which would give me an edge over the other students when it comes to placements," she says.

Padma.J, who is doing her B.Com in Bharadhidasan College is planning to take up a part time job that is related to her course. "Besides giving me the much-needed exposure, it will help me gain confidence," she says. Padma will also be busy preparing for her C.A. exams coming up in November.

For the lucky few, who need not worry about exams or interviews or on-the-job learning, summer is a time to pursue their hobbies and beat the heat with trips to cool places.

"Do not waste your holidays. It's the best time to pursue your interests," says Sunder Rajan, a second year B.A. Philosophy student at the Tagore Arts College. "Since I am very much into music, I will enrol for music classes. Apart from developing my talent, it will help me relax." A student of PIIMS (doing his third year MBBS), J.Arun, plans to freak out with his school friends by making a trip to Kodaikanal. "Last year, we went to Ooty and we had great fun. Apart from escaping the heat, this gives me an opportunity to spend time with my good old buddies." Priya.R, of the Rajiv Gandhi Engineering College, feels that holidays are meant to spend time with the family and forget lessons and assignments for a while.

ASHWINI

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