A medical student’s perspective on the NEET issue
India already tops the charts in suicide rates and the recent suicides because of NEET have added fuel to the fire. Although it is quite controversial to speak about this topic, it does have both positive and negative sides to it. As a student of medicine, it is even more difficult for me to promote or downgrade it as I see both sides of the story.
As a student who is on my way to earning a medical degree, it pains me to see so many people ending their lives over a degree. As an insider in the medical field I know that many people support it, however many outsiders oppose it. Many of my teachers have appreciated good performers of NEET, and I have heard them comment that they are more satisfied with those who have gained entrance after NEET than before. But, outside the medical community, no one is bothered about the future performance of students in the college. The same people who go crazy for the medical seats are the ones who brutally harm doctors when a person dies in hospital. Doesn’t that mean that the country needs better doctors? The opinion varies from person to person. Some claim that it is essential and some others claim that it puts students in a difficult position. Whatever it might be, public opinions are not going away soon, and no decision can be reached immediately. However here are a few truths that we can resolve regarding this issue.
Rise above the negative
Arguing and grumbling only promotes negative thoughts in our circle of influence. With the increasing opposition to this exam, many students have allowed worry, depression, and anxiety to build up within them. These confusing emotions lead them to life terminating decisions.
When the 10th or 12th std board exams loom before any student it seems like a mountain, but soon it becomes nothing. In the same way, this huge mountain we imagine is nothing more than priorities that need to be set right.
Prioritize Right
We need to prioritise the fact that life is a lot more important than failure or success. For me personally, the knowledge that nothing happens apart from God’s will and power helps me accept everything around me. Many times, we want our ending to be favourable by which I mean that it needs to be to our liking. But there is a time for everything under heaven. Hence let us resolve to accept the things we cannot change and wait upon the goodness of God. Because our future is more than an exam.
Be a Positive Influence
Even if we cannot save anyone from the consequences of their actions, we can avoid being a stumbling block to others. By promoting positivity and encouragement we can help others accept their failure or success. Although we cannot change the fact that lives have been lost we can prevent others from destroying their future. Pray for those who are not able to handle failure and encourage them with words of wisdom. If you encounter children in rural areas with dreams help them achieve it by elevating their standard of education.
NEET is not going away in hurry, but how we deal with the pressure can make all the difference.
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