After SLC Conundrums

KATHMANDU, April 7: SLC is over. For some, it´s the biggest of the deals. For students, it has always been the “Iron Gate” and a transit to the other side, the beginning of college life and adulthood. For parents, it is what they have raised their children for. Much-hyped, but does not change the fact that if you fail this national level examination at the end of the tenth grade, you will be considered a non-achiever. Oh, and there is the percentile thing and which division you passed your School Leaving Certificate in. [break]


Students consider finishing their SLC the “biggest burden” of their school life. As soon as they finish the SLC exams, many gear up for vacation whereas others try to busy themselves to prepare for further studies, even taking bridge classes to higher secondary level.



And we went around to talk to some of these SLC-appeared students, their dilemmas, study scopes, job security and future plans. Here is an excerpt of the Teen Talk:



Participants: Galaxy School Students

Premise: Exam Centre, Padmodaya School, Putalisadak



1) How did the exam go? Are you satisfied with the effort that you invested for the preparation?



Neha Dangol: You know what SLC exams are over blown-up. Terminal school exams were comparatively tougher than these finals. Exams went well. I worked hard and I am quite satisfied with the kind of effort I had put forth.



Shruti Yogi: To tell you the truth, I was not well-prepared for my exam, but I feel lucky that questions were easy. Thank God, my prayers were heard.



Anugya Pant: I really cannot say. If I say it went alright, the result might be the opposite. Because I have heard of people doing well, but failing in exams. Touch wood. From my side, I think have done my level best and am optimistic.






2) How did you treat yourself after the exam?



Bhaskar Raj Upreti: Last day of the exam was like taking off a 50-kilo load off my shoulders. I wanted to go home and sleep but as it was end of the torture, I went with my friends to Ramailo Mela and played some billiard.



Jayjendra Shrestha: I could wait for the exams to be over. I was thrilled and excited. I wanted to have fun. But looking at the current situation, we have so limited choice to enjoy ourselves. I went with my friends to the zoo and strolled around for about four hours.



Luna Joshi: I literally felt much lighter and wanted to pamper myself. So, the best way to treat myself was to get a nice and sound sleep, which I hadn’t had for several months.



3) What’s the plan for the break? Any vacations or unfulfilled desire that you want to do?



Anugya Pant: I had a little short of Mt. Everest tall desires. I am an avid shopper, like any girl in the world. So I plan to shop till I drop. It will be a spree. Then I will go outing with my parent and friends. Not forgetting, I will even join cooking class as my mother always bugs me how I do not know how to cook.



Jayjendra Shrestha: I have plans, big plans. But being a Nepali, I have learnt that plans is just a useless dream. I wanted to go for a tour outside the valley. But looking at the current situations where every other day is a banda and something misfortunate happens, things shut down so easily, I have dropped the idea. There still is this hangover of reading school books, which tortures me.



Bhaskar Raj Uprety: I did not have time to play guitar during my exam preparation. So I am ready for an advanced course in guitar and I also planned to join some bridge course.



4) Have you thought about studying further?



Shruti Yogi: Actually I still am in dilemma, of what to study. Science or Commerce. Should I choose A-levels instead. All these subjects are tempting at this moment. But I am at wait and see. I will go for counseling first.



Jayjendra Shrestha: Obviously, I will. But one has to give a serious thought to continue their study in Nepal. Going abroad for further studies will be my first option.



Luna Joshi: Studying science has always been my dream. So, without anyone’s pressure I am studying science to become a doctor.







5) Any suggestions or lament on SLC?



Anugya Pant: Taking SLC is like preparing for some kind of battle in Nepal, the preparation starts right from the day you are born. Additionally there are family pressures, pressure from relatives, friends and neighbors. I think pressure ruins confidence level. And apparently a reputation that is attached to this examination. I don´t know why it´s such a big fuss. After taking the exams I am so relieved.



Bhaskar Raj Upreti: I think, education is one of the most important factors for shaping one’s life. So one should continue their pursuit for further studies for better future.



Jayjendra Shrestha: People are too scared of the SLC. Trust me it’s nothing like that. Now I feel it´s just another normal phase in Nepali people’s life.



Luna Joshi: Let me clarify an important misconception: SLC is not difficult. However, it demands 100 per cent effort from one´s side.



Neha Dangol: I personally feel SLC should be cancelled. It is just an insane torture to an innocent mind. I don´t think it will happen though.



Shruti Yogi: Until few years back SLC was a big deal but now it has just become another formality. It should be cancelled permanently. Oh, and a big complains against curriculum designers. Please include interesting and practical subjects and content to our academic curriculum. Make it interesting. I wish Nepal would send students in exchange program to abroad schools and colleges, which will make learning and studying a lot fun.



(Photos by Sumina Karki)

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