TURA: As MBOSE results of the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) for Science and Commerce streams were declared on Thursday, Garo Hills had almost nothing to cheer about but for one single candidate securing a spot in the Top ten list.
It was Ms. Nishtha Barman Hajong of Don Bosco College, Tura who saved face by finding the sixth spot in the Top Ten merit list of the Science stream. All the other nine spots were taken by St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School in Shillong.
Nishtha, who is a resident of Lower Babupara in Tura, is the daughter of retired Additional Chief Engineer of the MeECL, Nitai Hajong and Bandana Barman, an SBI employee. She is the second among two siblings in the family and has an elder brother. While she is yet to make final plans for her future career, she has set her eyes on a Civil Engineering course in Chennai.
“I am thinking of applying for a Civil Engineering course in Chennai. But the decision is not final yet and I may look at other options too. I will also have to see what my parents have to say as it is because of their support and guidance that I have been able to achieve this,” Nishtha said.
Nishtha attributes her success to her parents and teachers who she says, have fully supported and guided her all along the way.
“I draw my inspiration from my parents and teachers. They are my sole inspiration and have been really helpful in ensuring that I get to where I am today,” she said.
When asked on her study schedule, Nishtha says that she does not keep any particular schedule, but studies whenever she finds the time.
“I do not have a time schedule for my studies. I do not keep track of hours for my studies and it differs from one day to the other. What matters is I study whenever I find the time and that is what has got me this far,” she said.
Unlike other young people of her age who are into computer games, internet and other multiple activities, Nishtha says that her only hobby is reading books.
Her advice to friends and fellow students is to strive to be successful by working hard but to avoid overdoing it and stressing oneself.
“Keeping a study schedule is a strain on oneself as you have to manage the hours. The pressure of maintaining the hours each day can lead to stress. Instead, it is better to study in whatever quality time we get,” she said.
Nishtha, who happens to be a pass pupil of the Tura Public School is also thankful to her alma mater for moulding and preparing her for educational journey ahead.
“Without my teachers from Tura Public School who groomed me, I would not have gotten this far. I am really thankful to them for helping me build a strong foundation,” she said.