“You can be free after your 10
th std. This is the most important exam of your life”, said the parent to boy/girl wonder. The 15-year-old kid beamed with joy thinking that the ordeal will soon be over. And that they will step into the brave new world as a free being. Wonder kid was expected to top the class, secure seat in the top institution, graduate with a 7-figure salary, marry a spouse of their parents’ choice and be the role model the world has never ever seen. This impressive castle of dreams was conceived even before the little one was conceived. Funny how most parents share the same dream. Math dictates that there can be only one first rank. Why can parents not accept the overwhelming odds that their kid could be mediocre? ‘Well, noooooo. Because it is my kid and my kid has my genes’. Ahem, okay, that explains it.
Now back to kid wonder. 10 years have passed since the promise of freedom. Here they sit with an engineering degree, staring poker faced at a computer screen. Wonder kid is quietly contemplating life, disillusioned by the job and looking desperately for a window of opportunity. Up pops a Facebook ad for CAT exam preparation. Facebook is like god these days. You pray for something in your mind and poof – wish fulfilled. Anyway, you know what happened next. Wonder kid was filled with fiery rage which was channelled into CAT prep and ta-da - 8 months later, he lands in a prestigious b-school.
Now here is a problem. Wonder kid has never been to class in 3 years. There has been a gap in the journey of education. The first thing that hits a worker bee in a b- school is that there is so much learning to do. Let’s take a look at the trials and tribulations of our wonder kid.
Rebukes from professors – Wonder kids excel in this area. Who could be worse than your boss? Wonder kid handles the rebukes like a champ, unfazed. They take initiatives well knowing the risks and yet takes them up.
Industry Experience – Professors point out to kids with industry experience thinking that these kids must be knowing the concept. Wonder kid is asked, “So you worked in boiler plant. You must have seen those boilers work.” The biggest boiler the poor kid had ever seen was a teapot. Wonder kid was employed in the IT department.
Deadlines – Students with work experience are experts in this field. Wonder kid knows that no matter how much effort you pump in, it is that last day that makes the difference. Projects in the office and classrooms are no different. Wonder kid knows the secret ingredient for projects – Deliver the minimum requirements with exceptional packaging.
Exams – CAT/other entrance exams were given recently. But wonder kid finds it difficult. Long-time since wonder kid wrote a string of words exceeding 100 syllables. Holding a pen, the right way seems to have slipped from memory.
After graduating from B-school with a hefty package, wonder kid is happy. Finally, he/she is free. A lone ranger ready to tame the corporate wilderness. Wonder kid packs her bags and reaches home for the final break before flying off into the sunset. 27-year-old wonder kid watches IPL on TV when mom sneaks in these words,
“So, when are you getting married?”.
Life had been waiting all this time to deliver one final tombstone pile driver.