Choosing the right stream for one's higher education might be the toughest as well as perplexing task for a student soon after leaving school. While some have long discussions with their family or friends to decide, others might opt for the one for which they get selected as per their marks. A few might have already decided to take up a certain course to pursue their ambition.

In a candid conversation with Onmanorama, five students of Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, speak about the course they have opted for, an alternative subject/course that they would have selected and their dreams.

Aparna Raj T, who is pursuing post-graduation in Zoology, credited her love for animals as a reason to take up the subject. “I have always been an animal lover since childhood and this course is all about them which is the best part. I love learning about their existence, behaviour and evolution,” said Aparna.

However, she pointed out that the course has a tough and heavy syllabus. “It is a bit hard to grasp certain subjects and practicals form a major part of the syllabus. The only thing that I dislike about this course is the dissection part. Probably, it is high time that we commenced using alternative modes instead of dissecting a live creature,” she said.

Aparna, who is also an avid reader, mentioned that she would have opted to study English Literature if she had a chance. “I have not decided yet about my career path. But it has always been a dream to start a shelter home for stray dogs and animals,” she added.

Lan Thomas Varghese, a third-year BA English student, opined that taking up this course brought in a positive change in his perspective and communication skills. “I wanted to take up filmmaking or media studies; however, I ended up with this subject and I don't regret this decision. This stream has introduced me to varied concepts, expressions and engendered an artistic approach in me,” he said.

Lan also added that if he had a chance to change any aspect of his course that would be replacing a few chapters, which covers writers of long ago, with new-age writers.

The college's Students Union Chairperson Sariga S P, who is studying MSc Botany, had an interesting take while speaking about why she opted for this course. “I never thought of taking up Botany for higher studies. My name came up on the BSc Botany admission list of Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram, and I was fascinated about studying on that campus after an earlier visit. Another reason which drove me to choose the life science course is my admiration for my Class-12 Biology teacher and the love for the subject because of her,” said Sariga.

“I am a lazy person, therefore, record works and all the drawing part is tough for me. It is time-consuming,” she said. Sariga also mentioned about her dream to be a Botany teacher. “Who knows, someday, even I might be an inspiration for a student to take up this subject,” she quipped.

M Com Finance and Tax student Jubin C Samuel shared his love for the subject 'Taxation' during the conversation. “I love everything about this stream, however, there are a few irrelevant papers that we are studying in this syllabus. If I had a chance to alter something in this syllabus, it would be cutting short this course by retaining only the necessary subjects and including more job-oriented activities,” he said.

Jubin aims to pursue a job in the GST or Income Tax department in either government or private sector.

Another BA English student, Ramzy Fathima, spoke about her passion for prose and poetry which made her choose a graduation course in this language. “I aspire to be a writer someday,” she said.

Ramzy, who is also a passionate artist, believes that English Literature classes must adopt an open-minded teaching method and include more interactive activities. “Debates, discussions and criticisms must be encouraged. All this adds life to the class and can prove helpful for the overall development of students,” she added.