It is an inevitable fact that this academic year wasn’t one that any of the students were fantasizing about. With no physical regime and no scheduled curriculum, many students have hit a new level of lethargy. With schools shifting to online schooling, the usual academic traditions are in oblivion. But these things are of no surprise as it’s been over a year since it all began. The most muddled students are the tenth and twelfth-grade students specifically those who had confident plans about college and their future. No sports, no farewell, no trips, and now no exams for tenth students as stated by the CM. Many students who had spent days and nights with the single motive of scoring good marks felt disheartened. Though the news regarding the exam cancellation may not be exactly petrifying for all. Even the most intellectual students who were adamant about solidifying their names amongst the top students of Goa were deep down electrified.
And so it happened on a Sunday that I was attending an online lecture and just then one of the students shouted: “Exams have been cancelled”. I quickly tuned in to YouTube and there it was in front of me; a sight to many sore eyes across Goa. Students hailing in the comment section, many videos of students dancing and celebrating went viral across social media. I’ll say, the feeling of realizing that you no longer need to look at those same old unfashionable books again is amazing. Though the decision was only fair enough, as it’s already June and conducting exams in June or July would just push the academic year ahead, which could cause direct as well as indirect impacts on the students’ future in the long run. The marks are said to be assigned based on internal assessment.
What I’m jolly about is that I no longer need to fear the faux pas from relatives if something goes wrong in the exam; I guess that’s the silver lining to it. Whilst many have also lost the opportunity of proving themselves worthy and not just an idle boast. But then again, who cares? You win some you lose some.
The following day felt unusual; waking up to the sight of those no longer engaging textbooks reluctant to even move them aside. I never even imagined how much time I could have in my hands. Parents no longer persuading you into studying though I presume many IIT, NEET aspirants have already begun their preparations. Then comes the conundrum of getting into one’s desired higher secondary; I assume more than fifteen thousand students would be opting for Science so the competition would be stiff. They say there would be a “one day test” for students opting for the science stream that too at the end of July! But that’s a long time to pass.
I pity the teachers who put relentless efforts to deliver the best education to the pupils, and were expecting transcending outcomes. Their patience and dedication for preparing the presentations, and making every effort to learn every bit of technology while tackling the incessant internet issues deserves shear appreciation.
Exams getting scrapped is great but the feeling of stepping out of the exam hall after submitting the last paper is far more overwhelming than anything else.
