With the commencement of the summer vacation in the Higher Education Department from tomorrow, college campuses will fall silent for a few days. For many students, these ten days are a welcome opportunity to relax after weeks of academic engagement. Yet, as a teacher, this transition from classrooms to vacation raises an important question: What does a vacation truly mean for a college student?

For children studying in kindergarten, primary, and middle schools, vacations are often filled with excitement. They eagerly wait to visit their maternal grandparents' homes, spend time with cousins, enjoy family outings, and play in parks. Their holidays are full of laughter, innocence, and unforgettable childhood memories. Schools also ensure that students remain connected with learning by assigning holiday homework, projects, and reading tasks, which many children complete with sincerity under the guidance of their parents.
The situation, however, appears different in colleges. College students are no longer children; they are young adults preparing for their future careers. Ideally, vacations should provide them with an opportunity to revise previous lessons, complete unfinished portions of the syllabus, read beyond textbooks, and develop new skills. Unfortunately, this does not always happen.
From my experience as a teacher, I have observed that many college students gradually lose touch with their studies during vacations. When classes resume, some struggle to recall even the fundamental concepts taught before the break. This not only affects their academic progress but also increases the burden on teachers, who must spend valuable classroom time revising old topics instead of introducing new ones.
It is equally important to acknowledge a positive trend. A considerable number of girl students display remarkable consistency in their studies. They generally attend classes more regularly, remain committed to completing the syllabus, and utilise their vacations more productively. At the same time, many boys also demonstrate dedication and academic excellence. However, it is often observed that some young men spend much of their vacation engaged in seasonal work, tourism-related activities, or other commitments that leave little room for study. While earning an income or helping one's family is understandable and respectable, education should never become a secondary priority.
This brings us to a crucial question: Who bears the responsibility of keeping college students connected with education during vacations...the teacher or the parents?
Teachers continuously motivate, guide, and encourage students throughout the academic session. They strive to cultivate curiosity, discipline, and a love for learning. Yet, once the institution closes for vacation, their direct role naturally becomes limited. Parents, on the other hand, continue to play a vital role even after their children enter college. Moral support, encouragement, and regular conversations about academic goals can help students remain focused.
Ultimately, the greatest responsibility lies with the students themselves. Higher education is built on self-discipline and personal commitment. Unlike school education, where learning is closely monitored, college education demands maturity, responsibility, and independent effort. A student who remains connected with books during vacations returns to college with confidence and a stronger foundation.
A vacation should not become a vacation from learning. Rest, recreation, and family time are essential for physical and mental well-being, but they should coexist with regular reading and academic revision. Even an hour of study each day can make a significant difference.
As teachers, we hope that when our students return after the holidays, they return not only refreshed but also intellectually prepared to continue their educational journey. A society progresses when its youth value education not merely as a classroom activity but as a lifelong commitment.

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