When adversities affect academics

It is essential for students to learn ways to cope well during times of difficulties, writes P U Antony

Amit was a very lively and zealous boy who stood out in the beginning of the academic year. He came all the way from Mumbai to Bengaluru to obtain quality education in an institution of his choice.

But by the fag end of the first semester, he became very gloomy and dispirited. Later, it was revealed that he scored very less in the mid-semester tests and that he also had severe shortage of attendance. Separation from kith and kin and the climate variation had made him sick.

Vani, one of my final year students left college when barely six months were remaining to complete her bachelor’s degree. She got married to a wealthy man and her mother-in-law wanted her to quit studies immediately.

The girl wept and left. Sweta attended her BSc classes in Bengaluru as a day scholar from Hosur for two years. In the third year she started staying in a paying guest accommodation close to the college to concentrate well on her studies. But then, she unexpectedly lost her father. And, as a result of this, she lost interest in studies.

These are some of the adversities teenagers face today and it becomes difficult for them to overcome such situations. Regardless of how sharp, clever, or happy-go-lucky they are, the struggle, challenges and difficulties make them negative and cynical. They easily get caught up in self-pity and the unfairness of life.

Bereaved students feel unaided and isolated in their grief. On a campus surrounded by thousands of other students, none will grasp what the affected one is dealing with. Insomnia, difficulty in staying organised, managing time and meeting deadlines etc, are never properly comprehended by unaffected friends and they dismiss the intensity and duration of the grief and thus, often shun the griever.

Lack of support and isolation can have a profound negative impact on the bereaved, academically, developmentally, occupationally and socially during the college years.

Unfortunately, many of the teachers are not normally helpful in such situations. It is also generally challenging to find a peer who one can relate to. Even student counsellors occasionally deal with such issues like yet another problem in their caseload rather than a real particular person needing an individual to speak to.

Thus, it becomes difficult for a youngster to battle it alone. Following are some of the techniques that may help youngsters to conquer hardships:

* Consider pain, death and adversity as part of life. Positive and constructive response to the biggest challenge will result in the emergence of strength, courage, character and perseverance from deep inside. The awareness that certain difficulties are inevitable will prepare one mentally for confronting adversities head-on.

* When going gets tough, encouragement and support are essential. Someone is needed to talk to and help ease the burden. It will be surprising to discover how often a friend has had a similar experience and can help guide one through difficult times. Even just knowing that someone is there when we need them can be most comforting. So build a support system.

* Engaging in constructive activities like reading, listening to good music, painting, trekking, dance and yoga will help. These activities not only preoccupy students, but also help them grow and develop, therefore leaving less time to brood or stay down for too long.

Determination, resilience and persistence enabled great people in history to push past their adversities and prevail. Strength and courage is to be summoned to overcome adversities by reading inspiring stories of such people who overcame seemingly insurmountable odds.

Rather than resorting to unhealthy outlets such as overeating, alcohol or other harmful substances when you are down, find positive ways of expressing yourself while at the same time building resilience.

Individuals who use multiple coping strategies are able to more effectively cope with transitions. University and college administrators usually underestimate the prevalence of bereavement among students. Programmes that raise awareness and educate campus members about student bereavement are essential.

The Greek philosopher Herodotus once said, “Adversity has the effect of drawing out strength and qualities of a man that would have lain dormant in its absence.”

Just as in the course of a student’s degree he or she is expected to complete various courseworks, conquering adversity demands go-getting as he or she shapes through the pieces to his or her ordeal.

(Names have been changed)

(The author is professor, Christ University, Bengaluru)