Did you decide the course that you took up or is taking up in college... or did your parents decide for you?...
Like you wanted to take up Medicine... but your parents told you to take up Law instead... and you followed them... and ended up as a lawyer instead of a doctor...
In my case... i took a course that trained me to be a teacher... my parents never objected to this... and they did not even give me other options... so i guess i was quite lucky with that...
How about you?...
[question posted by aseretdd]
responses and comments:
I started my University course at the age of 29. I took a degree course in ECONOMICS, majoring in Accounting. I finished six years later with an ECONOMICS/ACCOUNTING degree with honours in Accounting. I was always interested in Financial Matters . I did Commercial,Taxation Law and Corporation Law as well. [CAMILLERI]
So, is it correct for me to assume that you decided to study that course... and your parents did not object... or they did not tell you to take up a different course... i like economics... but i am not crazy about accounting... thanks for being the first to respond to this discussion... [aseretdd]
I decided that I wanted to be an English teacher when my 8th grade English teacher allowed me to teach her class on Career Day, which was a day when one student was chosen to perform the duties (with supervision, of course) of each of the school employees. Of course nobody could drive the school bus, but we had one student serve as acting principal, and another coach the football team, etc. I had thought about teaching already, but when I actually got to do it just for a day, I was totally hooked and knew that was what I wanted to do. My parents were not happy campers, as mum wanted me to be a nurse (which with all respect to nurses is that last career on planet earth I would ever have chosen, particularly since I don't even believe in Western medicine) and Dad said "No daughter of mine is ever going to college." I ended up teaching some other things, too, but most of my formal training was in English. [drannhh]
We had the same activity in school during teachers's day... but i never got chosen to act as a teacher... maybe because i was one of those average students who sometimes got into trouble... My sister is a nurse... and i think my parents wanted me to follow her footsteps but they did not say anything because we were already having financial woes back then... so i guess they were relieved when i chose to study something less financially stressful... I love English... but specifically literature... not that crazy about grammar... [aseretdd]
Hello aseretdd, I think you know my story. I took up medicine at first because of my parents. They wanted to see the youngest daughter become a doctor in future. I wanted to take up accountancy and many people - my family and even teachers, discouraged me from doing so. In the middle of first year, I decided that I couldn't cope with my studies and I really don't want to be a doctor one day. (In fact I did something stupid too, tried hard to fail few subjects that I took). I wasted two years for something that I didn't like to do and after that decided (to not disappoint my parents and family more)to take Life Science instead of Medicine *laughs* [gr8life]
Oh my... that is indeed two years of wasted time... good thing you were able to compromise to a course that you like and will please your family... some parent can really be stubborn and demanding when it comes to the education of their children... but i am lucky that my parents would always let me decide for myself...thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I decided my course which is Game Design. I went to one college and was told I had to take two years of Multimedia first which I did and when I was close to graduating, I learned the course had been dropped. I went to another college. The one I am currently in, and because it has so much attention on art/training students to be artists, I regret that I decided to come to this one, and I am seriously thinking about leaving. [rovian]
It is so sad and unfair that your old school had to drop the course when you are so close to graduating... and the one you are in right now is not actually living up to your expectations... but then... i you do leave... then it's like you wasted a lot of time, money, and effort... but follow your heart... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I decided it myself. I took electronics engineering in college. it was completely my decision, My parents never has forced me to take that. they left it on my choice. I think I am also lucky in that respect. [subha12]
You are very lucky in that aspect indeed... some are not... it is nice to know that there are a lot of parents who support the decision of their children... particulary in matters about education... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Till when I finished school I was not too sure of what I am going to major in. It was the fashion for everyone to take up Maths, Physics or Chemistry as the Major and my sister was already a post graduate in Physics. I used to do very well in Mathematics up to my 11th grade and was undecided about my future course of action. My 12th grade introduced me to pure geometry and analytical geometry and my confidence was shaken because my base was particularly shaky in this area. My school did not prepare me for this .I ran away a mile from this. Because I was convent educated and could perform very well in English, I was always the topper in this subject in my 12th grade and ended up with a very creditable Univesity 1st rank and a gold medal. Even before this fact was known, I decided to take up English LITERATURE as my Major for the silly reason that my friends had all chosen this. My father gently told me that there was not much scope for this but I said that I preferred it. He did not say anything else. Another thing was that we were all educated only to give us some confidence and a standby in case of a contingency[we were all conditioned to be housewives /home makers/ stay at home moms/ whatever you choose to call it. So I finished my UG and POST GRADUATION in English Literature. .Strangely, I was an extremely successful freelance teacher who enjoyed immense popularity and limelight in my own tuition centre. Till date, I have had no regrets. I am grateful to my parents for making me do what I wanted. [kalav56]
I am glad everything turned out perfectly for you... and it is good that although you father was quite in doubt about your choice... he still respected your decision... i just don't understand why some people expect women to only become home makers... but i think that sort of concept is rapidly changing... thanks for sharing your story... I also love English Literature... [aseretdd]
thank you for starting this discusion Mr.aseretdd.Actually i thought about that but you have started.....In my higher school education i was decide to take computer field but my parents forced to take Biology...same think also happen in my college life also.......... [sathyacs]
So what did you take up in college... did you follow what your parents asked you to take... or did you follow what you wanted?... I actually wanted to start this discussion yesterday... but i already started two... but thank you for responding and welcome to mylot... i hope to see more of your responses and discussions... [aseretdd]
no, my course in higher studies was determined by my parents and I still resent that fact. I am an ardent lover of history and I wanted to pursue it for higher education but my parents saw no future in it and forced my to take up science instead. Not that I failed miserably in it, but I have not been able to make any lucrative career out of it either. So here I am doing an ordinary office job which I could have done with a degree in history too, but it would have given me the satisfaction of pursuing further knowledge of something I like. [sudiptacallingu]
That is just so sad... i studied history in college and i enjoyed it very much... then after a few years... i went back to school again to study Math... all parents want what is best for us... but then... some fail to see that what is best for us in not extactly what will satisfy us in the future... thanks for the response... i hope you will still follow your heart and study history... maybe not in school but in other ways... [aseretdd]
Mine's quite a confusing story. I never wanted to do what everyone was doing...so after my high school, my options were Psychology, Hotel Management or Genetic Engineering. But since I was a science student, I also gave the entrance exams for engineering. Before the results were out, I was deciding on the above mentioned courses. My father didn't want me to take up Genetic Engineering because the only place that offered the course was in a state very far from ours. Hotel Management...he didn't mind as long as I understood the implications it would have on family life(timings and other problems). When I heard that I decided not to go for Hotel Management...and took up Psychology. While I was happily doing my course and doing quite well I must say, the engineering results were out and I got through two different streams at two different places. I didn't want to go for either one...but my relatives insisted (not my parents....but I am part of a large family where everyone has a say in something important). They said Engineering was more lucrative than Psychology...and not everyone manages to get through the exam...and blah blah. They convinced me to go for it...and I ended up going for Engineering. I didn't really regret it...because I did well there too...and got a well paying job. But after marriage, I went back to Psychology because I had changed careers after my son was born and had got into kindergarten teaching (I love young kids). [SViswan]
lol...I can see how confusing it was because I didn't take up Genetic Engineering...that was already vetoed first. I had a choice between Civil Engineering in my home town and Electronics Engineering in the next state. I took up Electronics. But yes, like you said...I had the best of both worlds...and I'm really glad...because I got to learn more about two very different careers which needed totally different skills. It also proved that I am adaptable...and have varied skills (which was a boost to my self confidence..lol) [SViswan]
I took up Technical Theatre and Multimedia arts when i was in college though my parents were very vocal that it would be nice if i took up Hotel and Restaurant Management instead so I can better manage our family business. But they were not the type who were buggy about it. They just let me be. Afterwards, i did try to study HRM but it never really worked for me. I'm more of the ARTS person. I lasted for only one semester in that course. LOL [loudhummer14]
Well, the important thing is you tried... and i think your parents realized that your heart is in Technical Theatre and multimedia arts... you can always take short courses on management to train you in your family business... i hope everything turned out well for you... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I was very much interested in science and hence took th4e science group.But meanwhile as I wasa doing college I also got interested in electonics hence,I have done some parttimne courses in electronics.At the same my interewst grew in photography since I have a creative mind. It stared as an amateur and ended as a professional.Now I am leading a professional life. I saw many people they do some thing and enter into something.Prqactically around 40 percent of my friends have done this.I am unable to understand life. [gyaneshwarrao]
Nice to know that you were able to do what you want in life... but did your parents influence you in any way?... did they support or discourage you in the course that you took in college?... and if you have children... are you going to dictate what they will study in college?... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I took nures aid during my college years,at first I dont like it because I dont have any idea how to take care those people who are sick,but now I learned to love my work and I will do my best to handle it properly. [bobet17]
Did your parents choose that course for you?... or was it solely your decision?... it is a good thing that you were able to learn to love your work... some people are not that lucky... did you consider taking up nursing instead?... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I decided the course I wanted to take in college which I'm in right now. I not certain what I want to do, I say I want to do this but I change my mind after a while. I'm taking liberal arts. My parents never pushed me to do what they wanted me to take. My Aunt think I should be a nurse, but I don't want to. [sweetangel88]
Young people... especially the women tend to be fickle minded... i actually had second thoughts about majoring history... but then... the last choice i think is always the best... i just don't understand why a lot of people what fresh graduates to study nursing... not everybody is up to that challenge... like me... [aseretdd]
the course i studied while at the 4 year higher diploma in polytechnic was food technology, i wasnt prepared for it though, i had wanted to study engineering but as fate would have it i couldnt fulfil all the pre-requisite pre university grades i missed one subjected i had not choise but to settle for my second choice course which is food technology [emma44]
Food technology is not that bad... there are a lot of lucrative careers with that... but then... did your parents influence you with that choice... or was it solely your decision... i hope everything turned our well for you after you graduated... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I left home too early and at the same time,left school.I regret it but at the same time i'm kinda glad.Back then,i didnt know what i wasted to do.I was thinking of counselling but i really wasn't sure.I have been a stay at home mum for a while now and had time to put things into perspective and know what i want to do.I'm studying to be an assistant nurse,majoring in aged care.I think you will do well when it's something you really want to do.I don't think it's fair for parents to decide what you should do when it has so much impact on your entire future. When my children are old enough to further their studies,i'm going to sit down with them,explain their strengths and give them options of courses they will do really well in to move on to a career that they will enjoy. [cokyjazz]
I agree... we all do well when we study something that we really like or love... and eventhough most parents want the best for their children... sometimes... what is best for them is not applicable to their personality and strengths... i commend you for supporting your children and giving them their options... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I think it is important to study what you are interested in and what makes you happy but you have to make sure you will be happy with the life you choose as a result of your studies. I am currently studying International Politics with the intentions of getting a MA. My parents were very supportive of me picking what I wanted to study in college and where - because I am from the USA but I am getting my degree in Europe. Good question! [beezy87]
Well, it is actually our life and our future depends on what we choose... parents mean well when they choose the course for their child... and they are also the ones who will pay the tuition... but it is more important when the person likes the course and is comfortable with it... Goodluck on your studies... welcome to mylot and thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I wanted to become a veterinarian, but my mom wanted me to be a nurse. I was told it was harder to get into vet school than into medical school, and I was told to be practical.. so I became a nurse. I liked nursing, and it did make me feel fulfilled, but I still would have liked to become a vet. [OreoCookie3]
I think there is still time for you to fulfill our dream... since you are now working and you can pay for your own tuition... but then... that will be a lot of work since a nurse's job can be very demanding... and studying to become a vet is not an easy task... but if you are up to the challenge... by all means... follow your dream... thanks for the response.. [aseretdd]
I decided to take Nursing course however, I received objections from my parents, they told me to take Construction course instead, so I took it and after my National Service (enlistment into the army), the certificate is totally useless and they seem to regret the decision being made. So, they let me decide what I want to do, so I took up Diploma and Higher Diploma In I.T. in a commercial institution. During the first year, everything is going ups and downs until the end of final year of Higher Diploma, I ask myself do I have the interest to carry on? My answer is no so I came out to find a job to discover which trade am I good at. [titaniumsoul]
Although, there is a black spot on the paper which is hard to remove, I treat it as a lesson learned and carry on living with my life. [titaniumsoul]
Once I turned 14 my mom said I was considered an adult and my course in education was my choice and I was the only one to blaime if I screwed it up. She would not even give us advice in high school. [teapotmommommerced]
Well, the good thing is you were not pressure by your mom to take up something you do not like... and i guess she thought of you as a responsible person since you were treated as an adult at a very young age... some mothers still think their children are babies even if they are way pass 18... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
When I was sixteen I did a two year course in Business and Finance and Shipping and Transport. The first year of this was at a ship shaped college on the River Thames. I got in there and my mum the librarian was looking round its library when I had my interview for my course. The interviewer laughed when he found out this. My mum was pleased that I did alright in my exams to meet the entrance requirements for this course. The college had an indoor swimming pool, a gym and boats students could go out on. I was delighted with my time living in a room with a river year. Then the government published how much it cost to keep the college open and a year after I went there my college was closed. My course was transferred to a college in the city of London. So that was an exciting thing to happen to me when I was seventeen. I got a job in a shipping officer and I did this until I got made redundant and so went off around the world. After my year's trip I decided on further education in order to do a teacher training course. I retook my Maths exam and studied English Literature. My mum was pleased when I went to university to get a Bachelor of Education and a qualification in English Literature. My mum always supports my educational choices and so I am pleased about that. [maximax8]
Oh my... that business school must have been something... too bad the government did not let it open... they could have done other ways to finance that school... i would certainly love to go there... you were very young when you entered college... and i am happy for you in that aspect... i wish i graduated early in life... but then... that is how thing are here in my country... I admire your mum for supporting you all the way... i wish all mums are like yours... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
the task of the parents is to guide what we are about to take up...not the one who decide for the student what course will be...they are not the one who interested the course so if they will decide it is very hard to the student because it is not his/her interest...imagine doing doing things that is against your well, are you comfortable on doing it...of course not...it add the agony. [julyteen]
I agree with you... parents should guide and not dictate their children when it comes to decisions that will affect their future... but then... that is not the case in some cultures of the world... where the family is purely patriarchal... and the father or the head of the family is the one who decides for everybody...thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
My parents would suggest some course for me to take up but the decision is still mine. I took up Business Administration and my parents supported me all the way. I am now deciding to shift courses. I want to take up Information Technology. My parents still support me with all the decisions that I make. [cookiedream]
Business Administration is a good course and you can earn a lot of money in that career... but information technology is quite in demand nowadays... it is good that your parents support you all the way... not everybody is as lucky as you... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
the first course that i took was civil engineering then i switched to computer science because my father suggested that and he told me that it suits me well since i love computers. but i don't really have a good logic so i'm having a hard time when it comes to programming lol and thesis defense would really be a nightmare for me when i'm gonna take that cry. but i hope that i can finish my course so i can study again about culinary arts lol [rhane7315]
Culinary arts is so different form civil engineering and computer science... well there is always a way to merge anything... as long as you can think of ways... i hope you do good in your thesis defense... the key is confidence... and to be prepared... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Its was my own option, my parents just supported what I liked. I took computer science nad I realized that it was too much for my brain to handle so I shifted to psychology. The shift was for the sake that I could graduate immediately and help with the expenses at home since my father already died. It was tough but im glad was able to make it through. [Zelmarq]
I am sorry about what happened to your father... good thing you were able to pull through despite your loss... others would have given up at the first sign of difficulty... thanks for your response... [aseretdd]
I wasn't quite ready to go to college when I was eighteen but my parents insisted. I got a degree in English Lit, but ended up getting married and having three kids. [anawar]
At least you were able to finish college before getting married... you can always use what you learned in bringing up your kids... that is like the trend in my country... graduate first... then get married... although in my case... i chose to work first... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I chose my major in college. My parents supported my choice, even though it didn't have many prospects: English Literature. I am still struggling to find a job in my chosen field which was public relations. Best of luck.. [rmuxagirl]
English Literature is a great subject to study... have you ever thought of teaching high school or elementary?... that is another career option for your... good luck on your chosen career... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
I took what I wanted. My parents really didn't want to suggest anything for they know that I'd have someone to blame if they did. I took up Literature and it was quite good. I chose this thinking that I need to improve my writing before I go on with my drawing initiative but, I got more than I what I had in mind but, never will I regret such a surprise happy [ratyz5]
Well, constantly using english in this site and others simply adds on improvement Have a good day! happy [ratyz5]
Information Management. Now that I am working, I have just realized that 'sense of fulfillment' with regards to work is essential to be able to love what you are doing and to be able to grow in what you are doing. I should have taken Education. Anyways, I can do nothing about it. So presently, I am making the best out of being an Information Management graduate. Anyhow, I am planning to go back studying... [adoremay]
my pleasure... [adoremay]
hi asere. i'm also lucky that i was the one who picked out my course for myself. i wanted to take up law so i took up psychology. my parents were very supportive and after explaining to them my plans they readily agreed and threw their support behind me. i've heard of many cases wherein the parents choose the course for their child. i guess this can't be prevented from happening and i know parents would choose wisely for their child. i dpn't think any parent would ask his child to take up a course his child has no interest in. however, i think parents should trust their child with this decision. just my thought. [allen0187]
Yes you are indeed very lucky... i know of some who were not given the choice... since the parents said that they are the ones provide the money for tuition... that is very common in some cultures... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]
Mine is multimedia designing.... [alcazar]
That is a very interesting course to study... i don't know if any school in my area is offering that... can you share what that course is all about... i hope you can expand more... thanks for the response... [aseretdd]