The term "fossil" refers to those who have been first-year students in higher education institutions more than once. To their classmates, they are older and not true freshmen because of their prior experience of campus life.

But to many students, the fossil way is the only path to their goals.

"I dream of becoming a doctor," says Wasaman Suksawas, 19, who would welcome the nickname.

Earlier this year, Wasaman's scores from the Ordinary National Educational Test (O-Net) were not high enough to apply for medical school.

So she has studied a lot over the past several months for the upcoming O-Net and Advanced National Educational Test (A-Net). Good O-Net and A-Net scores are necessary for students applying for seats at top universities.

When asked about reports that all students would have to stick to their original scores, Wasaman said she wants to take the upcoming exam anyway, in case some regulations are changed.

She remains optimistic about her ability to make a second bid for medical school.

"I have found that many medical schools have already removed the minimum O-Net score regulation for their applicants," she said.

Wasaman has her mind set on becoming a doctor because she wants to help others. With her grandmother suffering from heart disease and diabetes and her grandfather battling lung cancer, Wasaman has learned first-hand how about the pain of patients, and she sympathises with them.

"It's hard to put my feelings into words. But I believe as a doctor I will be able to really help other people," she said.

It hurt when she was of little help to her ailing grandparents. And, two years ago, it broke her heart to see a motorcyclist badly injured in a road accident and she had no ability to help.

"He was there in front of me, but I couldn't help him. From that time on, I committed myself to pursuing my dream career," Wasaman recalled.

A native of Nakhon Ratchasima, she said she is still unfamiliar with Bangkok roads and therefore prefers to read on her own rather than travel to cram schools.

"I will do my best, and I will keep trying to achieve my dream," she said.

Chattrin Meekrua, a first-year student at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, said he hopes to become a fossil student at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Engineering school next year.

"I feel out of place at my current campus," he said.

Chattrin is now studying chemistry through a special programme at his school. He believes the fact that he is in such a programme has excluded him from most campus activities.

"If I can get into a faculty of my dreams, I will be happy," he said.

Urisara Kowitdamrong

The Nation