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First generation graduates’ obstacle race for a better life
First generation graduates, who are on the rise, are facing many challenges while pursuing their degree. From being lured into private institutions offering mediocre education to navigating English communication and culture shock, these graduates fight hard to overcome these obstacles.
Chennai
Nedunchezhian D, an education consultant, said first generation graduates are easy targets for private educational institutions. “Since the parents of these graduates are not educated, they are not aware of colleges and courses offered. They think that every college is a good college, which is not true. Many private institutions lure these students with the offer of a job after graduation but don’t provide quality education. Many of these graduates, around 60% of them hailing from rural areas, fall pretty to this and end up finding it difficult to gain employment after their studies,” he said. Culture shock, communication gaps and difficulty with English add to the graduates’ woes. Dr K Vasudevan, Chairman of Prince Shri Venkateshwara Padmavathy Engineering College, points out that the transition from Tamil medium schooling to English can be harrowing for many.
“Many first generation graduates come from villages, where they are used to studying in Tamil. They do find it difficult and one or two dropout. Their lack of proficiency in the English language gives them an inferiority complex. Due to this, their participation in the class is lesser. But in most cases, they work hard and overcome these obstacles. Girls, especially, pick up faster than boys,” he added. R.W. Alexander Jesudasan, Principal of Madras Christian College, revealed that first generation graduates face a culture shock at the institution. He added that institutions are offering services to ensure a smooth transition to graduation.
“We have bridge courses and auditions to enable these students to participate in cultural activities. We have also told the teachers to identify first generation students who are finding it tough to cope and pay special attention to their needs,” concluded the Principal.
Language barrier, a big hurdle
M. Suresh, who is currently pursuing his PhD in Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology at Loyola College, is a first generation graduate. Recalling his initial years in college, he said, “My father passed away when I was young and my mother made ends meet as a manual scavenger. I am the first person in my family to graduate. The big problem I faced was language. As I studied in a Tamil medium school, adapting to education in English was difficult. As my mother was not educated, she could not support me. Luckily, I had a supportive group of classmates, who helped me master the language. G Israel, who runs Janodayam, helped me to complete my education. I attended programs to hone my language skills. Some students from other departments used to look down on me. But I was determined to study and do well.”
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