Beyond the Board Exams

By Dr Haseena Kabeer 
 

"Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.
— Langston Hughes

As the final bell rings on the board exams, students often stand at a crossroads, heart full of dreams, but feet unsure of where to step next. Beyond the flurry of marks and merit lists lies a bigger question: What now? Choosing a career after Grade 12 isn’t just about selecting a course, it’s about designing a life. It's where the idealism of youth meets the reality of the working world, and where every decision becomes a stepping stone to the future. This is a journey not just from exams to employment, but from dreams to the daily grind, and it deserves thoughtful mapping.

For countless parents, the end of board exams doesn't bring relief, it ushers in a heavier burden. Behind every University application is a story of sleepless nights, sacrificed comforts, and silent tears shed in kitchens and late-night rides home from work. They stretch every rupee, let go of personal dreams, and carry the weight of expectations, not to pressure, but to provide. 

 

They sell land, take loans, work overtime, and hide their exhaustion behind tired smiles, all for one hope: that their child might have a life better than theirs. In this quiet sacrifice lies a powerful love, one that believes in the child’s future even when the path ahead is uncertain. But amidst the rush to secure seats in reputed institutions, it’s crucial to pause and remember: the goal isn’t just prestige, its purpose. A career isn’t made by a brand name, but by aligning a child’s true calling with a future they can sustain, grow, and find joy in.

At this crossroads in life, one cannot help but remember the poignant words of Robert Frost:
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less travelled by,
These lines echo far beyond the pages of poetry, they resonate deeply with every student standing on the edge of life after school, and with every parent who has walked beside them through storm and sunshine. The choice after Grade 12 is not just about picking a course or a college; it is about stepping into a life path that could define not just a career, but identity, fulfilment, and self-worth. It is a decision weighted with emotion, uncertainty, and dreams, a choice that doesn't come with a map, only a compass powered by values, interests, and courage. Some roads may be well-lit with societal approval, while others are quieter, riskier, but rich in personal meaning. And it is in that moment of choosing, often with trembling hands and hopeful hearts, that a life begins to unfold in ways no board exam result could ever predict.

Sometimes, the road we choose will lead us exactly where we hoped to go, toward success, satisfaction, and self-discovery. Other times, it might not. There will be detours, dead ends, and days when doubts feel heavier than hope. But that’s the truth of life, not every choice guarantees certainty, but every experience offers a lesson. No path is ever truly wasted if it helps us grow, adapt, and understand ourselves better. Mistakes aren’t the end; they are often the beginning of something deeper, a redirection rather than a failure. What matters most is not just the path we take, but the strength with which we walk it, the courage to keep going, and the wisdom to change direction when needed. After all, careers are not made in a day or defined by a single decision after Grade 12. They are shaped over time, by passion, persistence, and the quiet ability to keep rising, even when the road is rough. For students and parents alike, the message is clear: trust the journey, stay open to possibilities, and remember, it’s not about having it all figured out, but about growing into the person you were meant to become.

In the end, the journey beyond board exams is not a race to a destination, but a path toward self-discovery. For students, it is a time to listen closely to their inner voice, to reflect on not just what they are good at, but what brings them alive. For parents, it is a call to continue supporting not just with resources, but with trust, the trust that their child will find their way, even if it takes time. Let us remember that careers are not born from pressure, but from purpose; not from fear, but from freedom. In this season of choices and change, may every student find not just a job, but a calling and may every parent find peace in knowing that their love has laid the strongest foundation of all.

Dr Haseena Kabeer is a freelancer Columnist