Unspoken taboos of higher education

ISLAMABAD: As the season of entrance tests and hectic admission routines begins, the expectation of getting in a well reputed university and the dream of a perfect future kicks in. There is an unseen pressure on an average household related to career choices, which have almost become like unspoken taboos of education in our society.

One of the issues faced by students in Pakistan is ‘the communication gap’. There is a gap between professional guiding counsellors, students and parents. If we analyse the statistics and the common beliefs, we will be able to identify that there is a change in thinking. An article in a leading daily titled ‘Has Pakistan overeducated its middle class?’ stated “the under and unemployment among Pakistani youth appears to be underreported. The current officially stated unemployment rate rests at fewer than six per cent.” Another report stated that a number of doctors (mostly males) have gone out of the country. This gives credence to the unsatisfactory return of the struggles, monetary and physical, young men and women have put into getting that white coat. Thus, these professional degrees at the end of the day do not guarantee a secure future which every individual aspires to.

On the other hand, the classism of careers has led to common misinterpretations in our society as all study fields other than engineering and medicine, categorised as Arts or Liberal Arts, are considered immoral and corrupted by the lower strata of the economy. Thus, English literature, political science, textile designing, etc, all come under the same umbrella of Arts and are thought to be pursued only by the privileged segment of our society.

Another struggle for students is of availing a ‘gap year’ which is not an alien concept in the West. A gap year could always be utilised in a constructive manner. According to the magazine Psychology Today, “the gap year holds incredible potential for learning and growth because of the significant cognitive and social developments that occur during the period.”

At the other end of the fiasco, is the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) and its policies. There should be maximum two entrance tests held by the HEC, sufficient to get into any university. Only one standard curriculum, grade nine onwards should be adopted by all institutions, whether private or government. Furthermore, parents need to believe more in their progeny, their abilities and let go of the old social perceptions. Thorough research should be done to explore possible career choices. Though the most important change of thought should be letting the student be the protagonist of their own life story.

Rida Anwar

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2017.

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