Who says that learning after a certain age is impossible today?
Who says that learning after a certain age is impossible
today, numerous people pursue education after a long break, discovers Anishaa Sahijwala.
One is the days when learning beyond a certain age was considered funny. Today,
a number of Indians realise the importance of education. Deciding to study after
a long break may not be an easy decision; but all those who have done so have no
regrets. When asked how the experience was, Kavita Takane, an art teacher, recalls
the day she decided to study further. "10 years post marriage, I secured a temporary
job as an art teacher at a school in South Mumbai. However, since didn't have the
necessary qualifications, I couldn't continue teaching. That's when I decided that
I must study further. I applied for an Art Teacher's Diploma at the JJ School of
Arts. Thanks to my family's support, I am now a qualified teacher," she expresses.
On being asked how the first day at college was, the feedback was diverse. "When
I entered class, students stood up and wished me. They thought I was their professor.
That's when I got a little conscious. But as time passed, I learned to think differently;
I am no longer narrow-minded, "recalls Takane. Sanjay Inamdar, an engineer by profession,
pursued his Masters in Public Administration from the Howard University after a
20-year break. He humbly shares his experience saying," I hail from Satara and completed
my schooling in Marathi. That's where the real challenge began. When you're young,
your parents want you to study, to earn a living. However, for me, it was more of
learning and making a difference than merely looking for a good job.
I relived my days at college. Right from giving my GMAT to attending lectures and
giving my exam, I went through it all. I was surprised to know that, I was not the
only one who decided to study further, "he shares. Since the sail is not easy, family
support is what matters the most." My husband cooked for a year. While I was at
college, he took care of my three year-old son. His support and confidence in me
has changed my life completely," says Leena Gupta, who pursued a diploma in jewellery
designing. Grasping and remembering what you've learned after a long break gets
difficult.
What you make of your qualification is entirely in your hands. While most of them
study further to earn a living, a few of them do so to give back to the society.
Inamdar, along with a good friend began the Bhau Institute of Innovation, Entrepreneurship
and Leadership. "I wanted to serve the society. A part of what you achieve must
be shared. Since most Indians wrongly perceive leadership, we thought of changing
people's perspective towards it. It only helps create a healthy atmosphere," speaks
Inamdar.
Why you choose to study further, is entirely your decision. The most important point
is to learn, to break the ice. Remember, it's never too late.
Courtesy: Times of India
