Gen Y chants new career mantras

PUNE: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference. The lines from the The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost are no longer mere essential reading in English poetry. In fact, they seem to be the mantra for most HSC students mulling over career options. Long gone are the days when marks secured in board exams decided the course of one's career.Today, students are exploring a wide variety of career options and making sure they are wellequipped to achieve their goal. Huzannah Banajee of Fergusson college, who is awaiting her HSC results, has spent the entire summer vacation working as a horse trainer. The reason is quite simple. I want to specialise in therapy for mentally and physically handicapped people using horses, and this way I get hands-on experience in the field. Malavika Khadke of St Mira's and Rucha Naure of Fergusson are exploring undergraduate courses in journalism. Journalism is a profession where you get to learn about things firsthand, is their explanation. Besides, it's a great way to meet interesting people, Rucha adds. Janak Vadgama of Loyola's wants to join the merchant navy because he loves travelling. Then, there are those who do not want to hurt their parents by dashing their hopes totally. My parents wanted me to become a doctor so I opted for the science stream. But I love animals, so I have decided I will become a veterinary doctor, says Uma Athale of the M E S Garware college. One of my friends felt that studying science was hampering his creativity, so he has joined the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, Uma adds. I think teenagers today are very focused and aware, thanks to the media boom. At the same time, parents are increasingly accepting their children's choice of career rather than forcing their own, says counsellor Milan Patwardhan. My son has decided he wants to do aeronautics and we are encouraging him to achieve his dream, she adds. Educational institutes too are trying to adapt to the emerging demands of students. The Symbiosis Society's health centre has announced a diploma in fitness training for HSC students,while the society's law college has announced a combined bachelors course in business administration and law. We have received a tremendous response for both, says deputy director Vidya Yerawdekar of Symbiosis. With grooming fast becoming an integral part of our culture, the Schon Medico Cosmetic Centre has started a training school integrating aspects of medicine and beauty therapy. We get a number of HSC students who want to do the three-month course along with their degree education, says director Deepa Sathye. Clearly, for any young Robert Frosts out there, the number of paths less travelled is infinite. Whichever path they choose, the important thing is that excel, as Frost did in poetry.