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Feature

Other than studies

Nafis Ahmed

There is a saying, that there is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path. In today's world of increasing competition time and time again it has been proven that theoretical education alone is not enough. The attention is now focused more towards experience and field knowledge than ever before. This is what I felt after joining Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). Extra-curricular activities, the words are on everyone's mind. And why not? Practical experience gained from these activities allows you to gain much greater knowledge than by any other means. It gives you a better understanding of the world and the environment around you as you get a clearer picture of the real world. These are things books can never say.

Almost all educational institutes have some sort of facilities or arrangements for ECAs or extra-curricular activities. Schools and colleges have their sports teams, host and engage themselves into competing arenas such as inter-school debate competition, national school level quiz competition, inter-school talent competition and as such. In universities there are various clubs students associate themselves with, for example, theater and drama club, debate club, art club, photography club, etc. These activities are not only fun but very helpful for the future of the students too. As they graduate, and go line themselves up for a job they have something extra to show, an extra talent, an extra merit certificate.

For example, if you are experienced and seasoned in debating it shows that you have good speaking skills and can represent yourself and talk on or present any topic in any arena and in any environment. It also shows that you have the potential to respond and counter any unwanted or undesired situation that you may find yourself in. Debating helps you think faster, more logically and brings about a spontaneity and creativity in yourself.

On the other hand, if you are good in sports activities that again brings about a whole new set of qualities in you. A good sportsman is expected to be always honest, hard working, dedicated and steadfast. Also, a seasoned sportsman is expected to be of good health and have enduring stamina, very important features in job lines such as journalism and marketing and advertisement and similar arenas.

If you are a fan of music and concerts, that itself is a driving force towards great skills. For example, do you know what it takes to arrange a concert? One thing is for sure, its no easy job. To arrange a successful concert you must arrange for proper location, arrange for proper sound system, contact the performing artists, seek for their approval, raise enough money to pay them off, advertise, market and sell tickets, and the biggest hurdle, dealing with law enforcement agencies, trying to approve your permission to host the event, especially if it is in a public location. Just try arranging one concert in your own campus, you will see what I mean.

Just performing in a concert takes a lot of talent. To play and to sing, with your friends on stage in front of a zillion people, that itself takes a lot of courage and charisma. The most talented performers are obviously most preferred since they are evidently the best players. Now, would you believe me that there is no music without flaws? The art is in covering them up before the crowd gets the first chance to catch it. Here, experience comes to play. The famous ones are the best at it and hence the fame. The main idea here is self presentation, the talent in itself.

After reading this article, don't jump off, drop off form school and open a band, thinking that the talent alone will get me where I want to, because that would be plain stupid. Studies keep you on the right track and the ECAs provide you with that extra edge, and the best thing about it, it is always something fun, off the everyday monotony and it is something you are good at, something you would love to do.

(Student of Independent University, Bangladesh)