MBBS is tough. Very long. Exhaustive.
And exams sure do take a toll on a student's health and psyche.
Hurray! I survived and am alive.
You see, firstly, there are written exams - theory papers that are more a part of a fixed curriculum than an aspect of testing knowledge. There is a format. Short and long answer type Q & A.
Of course one sure does get a preparatory leave for the same. But I'll be damned if I disagree that any amount of time is insufficient.
Too many subjects. Quite a bit of cramming. A tad bit of logic and innovation.
They drench your soul. A battle between heart, body and mind.
Most of us tide over the waves. But some have to face the sweet chin music. I have the best of kids cracking up, almost willing to give up the endeavour, even with the coast in sight.
Health issues galore. Food and sleep habits crash. No time for social chit chats. No time for family. Festivals and events all secondary.
The very moment where one gets the question paper in hand is inexplicable. Some smile. Others swallow.
And secondly, we have the world famous 'Practicals'.
The word is scary in itself. One is judged and assessed by a board of external examiners, who form a panel alongside the dear good old internal examiners.
A gamble of all sorts. No one can be perfect. Errors are common fold. And the intense atmosphere in the wards. It can shatter confidence and destroy logic, while transcending time and more time.
I feel there is often a decent 'setting' between the externals and college, i. e. an informal deal wherein maybe.. I say maybe.. goods, benefits, pleasantries, beverages, gifts, cash and kind etc etc. might be traded in exchange for a promise, a vow to PASS all the candidates, whatever might be the circumstances.
All is settled, they say. Just be calm and answer somewhat correctly. And you'll see the magic unfold.
In the end, perhaps all I can say is that this kinda exam feeling can't be experienced by any Tom, Dick & Harry. You have to be within the system.
It's a cocktail of emotions, that has to be savoured by the bold and the valiant. A chalice of aged wine for the ego.
Years pass.
Seasons pass.
Moments pass.
So will we.
