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| Sunday, 20 November 2005 |
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Talent no end
Music is his hobby. He loves to play guitar and is on his way to master the art. Wanting to become a paediatrician, as he prepares for his university education he emphasises that voracious studying and self-sacrifice is not really necessary to get through the Advanced Level examination. "All what you have to do is to study the daily portion of your work thoroughly. You do not have to sacrifice your friends, extra curricular activities or hobbies to do that," says Shehan Kaushalya Perera. A student of D.S. Senanayaka Maha Vidyalaya, Colombo 7, Shehan achieved the feat of getting the all island third highest marks in the biology stream at the 2005 Advanced Level Examination. A scholarship holder from the Piliyandala Primary School, Shehan had shown an aptitude for studies from his childhood. He had secured his position within the first three in his class from grade six to ten. However, he is quick to reiterate that he is just an average student. "I am an ordinary student - who attended school and tuition classes just like anyone else. I have my friends and hobbies, I spend time playing with friends, reading or listening to music. I spend time with my family and taking care of my pet dogs." Now, if that is not ordinary - what else would be? An avid collector of 70s music, Shehan's collection boasts of over 600 songs from the period. "I started this hobby after O/Ls and continued it through A/Ls without any problem," he says. So was his participation in extracurricular activities in school. During his A/L years he had been a member of the school quiz team and had participated in more than 10 quiz events. A/L though difficult could be accomplished through a little bit of discipline, says Shehan. "It was the most decisive examination I faced. It is totally different from Ordinary Level examination. All you have to remember is that you cannot study haphazardly. You have to have a goal. You have to be able to complete the syllabus either in school or at tuition class. Revision is also very important. Studying for A/L is not a 'parroting' exercise. You have to have a good understanding of the subjects. You pass the exam through your own effort not the efforts of others," says Shehan. This zealous young man also had his share of difficulties when he was facing the A/Ls. In the same manner he had a group of supporters who always encouraged and helped him. "First of all I have to appreciate the efforts of my teachers, who were good enough to cover the syllabus. In school, we had covered some subjects months prior to the examination enabling us to answer all the pass papers available. I have a group of friends with whom I discussed papers and questions. They always supported my efforts. I cannot forget the love and caring as well as the encouragement from my family, specially my uncle who shouldered all the responsibilities during the period my father was sick, releasing me to get on with my studies," Shehan reminiscences. What would be the three important tips that he would like to share with other students? " Cover the syllabus as quickly as you can, master the basics and revise until the practise becomes an extension of yourself," are a few practical clues to success from Shehan. (VF) |
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