My Science School

I am a student of Class X and I want to become a fashion designer. Which stream should I take in Class XI? Is there any scope in this field?

A diploma in fashion design technology is the minimum requirement to enter this field. However, many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree with knowledge of textiles, fabrics and fashion trends. A portfolio, representative of a designer’s best work, is sometimes more important in finding a job than an extensive education.

Many polytechnics and institutes all over India offer courses in fashion designing. Duration of the courses varies from new months to five years. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is the premier institution professional training in various areas of the fashion industry.

The continued demand for all types of apparel, growth in population and rising personal incomes will favourably affect the need for fashion designers. However, competition for good jobs is expected to be very intense. But individuals with the necessary personal traits, such as creativity and perseverance, may have less difficulty establishing and maintaining careers in fashion designing.

 

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I am a student of Class X. I want to be a paleontologist. What should I take in class 11? Are there any institutions in India or even abroad for paleontology? What courses should I take? Is there scope in India for this?

Paleontology is more than just dinosaurs! It is the study of the history of life on Earth as reflected in the fossil record. Fossils are the remains or traces of organisms (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and other single-celled living things) that lived up to billions of years ago. It’s an interdisciplinary field involving geology, archaeology, chemistry, biology and anthropology.

To enter this field, take physics, chemistry and biology in 10+2. Then go for graduation followed by a Master’s degree in paleontology, geology or earth science. A doctoral degree or Ph.D. is almost always necessary for any serious professional career in paleontology, especially as a researcher or a professor.

Paleontologists are employed by both public and private sectors. Museums hire them to locate and identify fossilized remains for exhibits and for additional research. There they work as curators, researchers, collection managers, etc. They may work with geologists for identifying fossils, giving programmes or tours, consulting with industry. A few work for oil companies or in government as consultants helping to solve geological problems.

 

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I’m currently studying in Class XI. I’m not interested in NEET or JEE. Though I’m a biology student I’m only interested in music. I love singing but I’m not a trained singer. What are the courses I need to complete to be a professional singer? Are there any colleges in India that preferably have courses in western music?

In order to become a professional singer, start with some basic music training. Also learn multiple music instruments; this will help you in identifying your style of singing. Make your demo song recordings and promote yourself online.

There are no educational requirements for singers interested in performing popular music. Formal education is more likely to be required for classical music. Still singers need extensive training and regular practice, as the qualities of a singer’s voice affect his/her ability to be successful. You must take lessons from a qualified guru. Short-term training in western music is provided by private institutes all over India.

Some good colleges are:

• Bhatkhande College of Hindustani Music, Lucknow


• Kalakshetra, Madras


• National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama (Sangeet Natak Academy), New Delhi


• Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahaba


• Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata


• Visva Bharati, Santiniketan

The music industry is always in need of innovative, creative, successful musicians to introduce different styles and various fusions in an attempt to innovate new sounds. But competition is severe and talent alone is no guarantee of success; it requires dedication and sometimes good luck. Developing contacts in the music business is as important as finding opportunities to perform. However, being able to play several types of music or sing in a variety of styles enhances the opportunity to find employment.

 

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My circle of friends consists of both boys and girls, but I spend most of my time with boys. It's because they "understand me better". There's no case of "attraction", but my parents see our friendship in the opposite way. They don't want me to be with boys and I can't understand why. My parents are very orthodox, while I am quite modern. I am a "go-with-fashion" type and try out all the new fashion trends. But my parents oppose this and are putting restrictions on my clothing sense. My relatives add fuel to all this. It has affected me badly and I feel like committing suicide. Whenever such things happen in my house, I harm myself with a blade. This has made me feel very depressed. Please help me.

You are feeling overwhelmed, under pressure and depressed by the standoff with your parents and relatives, and you are turning against yourself. Perhaps you also feel a bit guilty and ashamed that. You are not what your parents want you to be?

While harming yourself may make you feel better able to deal with your strong emotions for that moment, in the long run it is not a good way to cope with problems. By using a blade, you are putting your life at great risk. I strongly recommend meeting your school counsellor or approaching a trusted adult/teacher to seek face-to-face help for your feelings of depression and wanting to commit suicide. Please do this at the earliest.

When your feelings become strong and agitated, instead of harming yourself, calm yourself by channeling your energy and feelings into something soothing. You can exercise, listen to calming music, colour mandalas, dance or focus on a hobby if you have one till you become calm again. Decide on 2 to 3 methods that you can use.

 Later, when you are ready, you can sit with your parents and understand their concerns and views about your friends and your dressing. Perhaps, their concern is not so much about 'attraction' but about your 'safety'. The only way is to talk maturely to them and come to an agreement on boundaries. The counsellor/teacher/trusted adult can help in this discussion.

Right now, it is important that you deal first with your feelings of tension, depression and your desire harm yourself.

 

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I am a boy studying in Class 11. I always feel ignored and lonely in class. I try to change my mind and attitudes but I don't know the reason for this. Although I am handsome and muscular physically, I don't have a girlfriend.

You really want to belong and make friends in your class, but don't know how to go about it. Perhaps people see you as aloof? Make the first move: Wear a smile and look welcoming. Greet others warmly.

Instead of focusing on yourself, focus on the other person: Ask more and tell less. They will slowly begin to know and like you ask about you once they find you

Learn the art of conversation: Pick up a topic that seems to interest the other person, e.g; music and ask about the singer/group, music style, songs and what they enjoy most about it. Each response can lead to more exploration and sharing.

Be up-to-date on current topics; yet don't hesitate to show you don't know It's a great conversation starter you say, "Hey, I don't know much...how about telling me about it?"

People are intelligent. So it is not your looks, your physique and how you appear to others that will attract a girl or other people to you. It is the real person within.

 

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