Dear Madam,

I am 27 and am in a state of confusion whether to work or study. I have done B.Sc in Computer Science and am currently doing M.Sc in Computer Science by correspondence due to financial constraints. I do not want to depend upon my father for fees and other things. I want to work in the IT sector and would like to complete my PhD also. But I am in a dilemma — is it possible to work with studies? Which is first, work or studies?

Gundu

Dear Gundu,

Please do this little activity — get some dry sand, and take some sand in your hand and squeeze it tight. If you actually do this you will find that most of the sand trickles through your fingers. You may hold on to some of it, but most will be spilled. I think that is what you are trying to do — you want to hold on to everything, and like the sand held tight most of your desires will slip away.

Quite honestly I do not see any dilemma in your situation. You are 27 years old. You do not want to be financially dependent on your father... Just these 2 facts are enough to tell you what you need to do. So get up and look for that job. There are many people who do both together, ie, work and study. What you will need is determination, hard work and proper time management.

Please consider these questions –
Have you got very comfortable with your life the way it is?

Do you lack the confidence to get a job and keep it and therefore you would prefer to go on studying and acquiring degrees? Just having a string of degrees beside your name will mean nothing if you do not understand life itself.

Dear Madam,

I am a student of II PUC, going to write CET and Board exams. I am an above average student, but want to excel further. My problem is that when the time comes to apply whatever I have learnt I get confused.

Please suggest some strategies for effective study.

Ashwin

Dear Ashwin,

I have answered similar questions many times but since this is the time for Board Exams I thought it would be a good idea to give some basic strategies to help you and others. Whenever we do anything, be it studying or a project, there is the process of doing it and the end product or result. You must have a goal, which could be a percentage you are aiming for. But thereafter you have to concentrate on the process of getting there. Stop worrying and thinking, will I reach my goal? What if I forget? These are doubts and a waste of time and definitely show lack of self-confidence. Instead plan what you are going to study for the day. Then tell yourself, “I am getting this one chance to study this portion and I will learn and know it thoroughly by the end of the day” — you must think positively.

It is a good idea to have ‘Learning Cards’, while you are reading, write down in colour the important points/words. These cards will then act as ‘Revision Cards’ before the exam.

Use Mnemonics, i.e. catch words, for eg, VIBGYOR is a catchword to remember the colours of the rainbow. Catch phrases also help to remember important points.

Apart from this, it is important to keep a balance in your life. Divide your day between study, any form of relaxation and sleep.

You must sleep for 8 hours everyday as your brain needs time to absorb what you have studied.

Exercise in any form of physical activity is very important

Relax with any activity that you enjoy — this will help to calm you and keep you focussed.

The food you eat can have an impact on your concentration levels. Foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, wheat and nuts increase brain activity.  All the best.

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