Different Strokes
Earn in the morning, learn in the evening
KAMALANATHAN P.
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Students of evening colleges are happy, their only grouse being lack of extra-curricular activities
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Evening colleges play a vital role in society. For students, particularly those who cannot afford to be without a job till the end of their educational period, these colleges present the perfect opportunity to learn even while they are learning.
However, as many students in these colleges will tell you, it just does not feel like a regular college.
The Hindu EducationPlus spoke to students from St. Joseph’s Evening College to find out what they had to say about this ‘alternative’ education system that they are part of, and their rationale for opting for it.
Do they feel their degree is any lesser than those offered in day colleges or will earning as they are learning give them a competitive advantage?
While many work during the day at various jobs, a significant portion of them even choose to work at call centres overnight to fund their education, and often even contribute to the running of their families.
M. Sunil Chakravarthy (second year B.Com): I feel that my degree is no lesser than a regular college degree. But I have work experience and the opportunity to learn things in a deeper way as I can often understand what is being taught from a working persons’ perspective.
My family depends on my earnings. During my vacations I even manage to do some vocational training. One disadvantage is that I do not get to participate in sports like the students in day colleges, but given a chance I think I will be as good in that field too.
R. Karthick (first year B.Com): There is no question of “feeling lesser” to day college degrees. We are connected to the outer world most of the time, so there is no worry of being in this college. I am a rank student and I can be equally competitive with other students. Being in evening college helps me to be a responsible citizen and I earn my daily bread. The only worry is that I don’t share my time with my family.
V. Pradeep Kumar (B.Com graduate): I am an ex-student of this college. I have never felt my college degree to be any lesser than the regular one. Moreover, studying in evening college has made me to think positively. My family was depending on my earnings and I had passion to study too, so studying in evening college provided me the platform to do both. But working during the day and studying in the evening is not easy. It would take a toll on your health.
We are not encouraged in extracurricular activities. R. Arun Kumar (first year B.Com): Evening college is the best option for working students like me. It provides us with excellent education. I come from a middle class family and there is need for money. This is where I can learn and earn. The only hitch is that there is no proper platform to showcase our talent. Though I am good at sports I cannot display my talent.
B. Danam Babu (first year B.Com): When the government has accepted that both day and evening college degrees have the same status, why do I have to feel any lesser? My parents cannot afford money for my studies, I have to work and learn.
The evening college gave me the chance to earn while I learn and created the faith within me to face the world. The only disadvantage is that there is no room for co-curricular activities.
M.S. Vishalakshi (first year B.Com): I have to work during the day due to financial problems. So, the evening college was the best option for me. We have regular campus interviews which gives us the opportunity to get jobs.
I am able to support my family while I learn, the work experience will lead me to a good future. The disadvantage is that I miss my family and friends who care for me. I don’t get much time to spend with my dear ones.
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