In local media, barely a week passes without some mention of bloody brawls between students from the city's numerous vocational colleges. But IT vocational students Sahatsawat Boonchit and Parinya Sakphokha challenged the stereotypical image of student gangsters by winning a regional competition earlier this year, which will hopefully help erase society's negative attitudes towards vocational students.
With their goal set, Sahatsawat and Parinya put in long hours of practice to clinch top spot at this year's Bangkok/Eastern regional Database Management Skill competition.
Pitted against the nation's top eight contending teams, Sahatsawat and Parinya, both 17, from Samut Prakan Technical College had a next to flawless performance, constructing a website for hotel booking in 10 hours, with few glitches.
"Competition was stiff but we were able to perform well because our preparation was rock solid," remarked Parinya, an up-and-coming web designer who hopes to work for the popular travel website Traveloka after his education.
"Prior to the event we were sceptical of victory because the teams came well prepared. While in the thick of things it became easier because we managed to remain a step ahead of our competition."
Their professor Nittaya Srikaew's decision to invite IT professionals to tutor the teens played a huge factor in their ability to rise to the occasion and perform well under pressure. Both boys, who come from drastically different social backgrounds, remained steadfast to guarantee a successful outcome.
"Setting goals earlier in our training helped us to prepare for the worst," Parinya continued. "I read a lot about designing software structure and practised drawing, so I could assist Sahatsawat who was tasked to manage the entire programming."
"Practice does indeed make perfect. In the end setting goals and persevering to reach each of them does pay off handsomely. Any visceral fear I might have had of losing that day did not trouble me because we left no stone unturned."
Sahatsawat, a budding programmer, shared in those sentiments, recalling sleepless nights correcting the code he was required to memorise enabling their team to advance quickly.
"While clinching top accolades at the regional level is nice, our ultimate aim is bring home the trophy from a global event to make our country proud," said Sahatsawat.
The teens are determined to use this milestone as a stepping stone toward a bright future. Sahatsawat, whose family sells vegetables, desires stable employment so he can support his family. Parinya, whose father manages a family business, wants to get a scholarship to study at a prestigious university. To retain their competitive edge, both youngsters believe it is pivotal for them to compete in international events, both locally and abroad.
While both youngsters are grateful for the support of their teachers and family, they admit it took a while to convince their parents to allow them to pursue vocational studies.
"Vocational colleges are often portrayed as breeding grounds for violence by the media," Sahatsawat said. "I had to explain to my parents that while the reality of violent confrontation from rival schools is prevalent, students take safety measures to avoid being a victim.
"For one, teachers keep a close watch out for our safety. They have us on Line chat groups, often sharing venues we should avoid. We take precautions with not wearing ties or belts with the school emblem in case we run into students from a rival school. There are also parents that come to pick up their children."
For Parinya, an added headache was being the first in his family to study at a vocational college.
"It was definitely a struggle to convince my parents. After much coaxing my father agreed, but only if he could send and pick me up. This arrangement has worked and he's been on cloud nine since I won the regional competition."
Sahatsawat encourages youngsters to follow their passion. For programming, he suggests getting started by either taking a short course or watching tutorials on YouTube. As for Parinya, purchasing a book on web design could be a start to following your interest in this field of IT.
For those interested and who show promise in this field of study, they suggest students think about making it a career. In this manner, they believe students would be more focused while they study the course and gain the confidence they require until it is time for them to apply for a job.
Both teens agree on the importance of having role models in their life. For Parinya, it has been his 50-year-old father, who has been by his side all along. "My dad raised me, so he has greatly shaped my character into a determined and hard working person. He is also my closest friend, so I rely on him to be my anchor."
Sahatsawat also echoed the same remark.
"My parents have been my moral compass and have made me the determined person I have become. They have worked hard all their lives. After my graduation next year I hope to find a good job and look after them so they need not work hard any longer."
