Published Paper Details:

"Chasing Dreams, Bearing Pressures: A Sociological Insight into PUC Students" examines the increasing academic and emotional challenges faced by science stream students at the pre-university level in today's competitive educational environment. In a rapidly changing world where academic excellence is closely tied to future career opportunities, students often experience immense pressure to meet both institutional and parental expectations. This study seeks to explore how such pressures influence their mental well-being, motivation, and social relationships. The research Is conducted among 40 science students pursuing PUC, representing a group that often faces heightened stress due to demanding curricula, entrance exam preparation, and parental aspirations for professional courses such as engineering or medicine. The study highlights how the intersection of academic expectations, peer competition, and parental involvement shapes students' emotional balance and overall academic performance. The Importance of this study lies in its relevance to the current educational scenario, where students' dreams and identities are often shaped by societal and familial pressures rather than personal interests. By understanding these experiences from a sociological perspective, the study aims to shed light on the hidden emotional struggles behind academic achievement. It also emphasizes the growing need for mental health awareness, supportive parenting, and the creation of a balanced educational atmosphere that values students' individuality and holistic development. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on student well-being, parental roles, and social expectations, offering valuable insights for educators, parents, and policymakers to make education more empathetic and student-centered.