To SEE students: Chase your dreams, it's hard but not impossible!

With the government decision of scrapping SEE, it's now that time of the year for students to decide upon the stream they want to pursue in high school. But how do you know what's best for you? Is it your marks or your parent's dreams that determines what you should study? Will your choice match with that of the rapidly changing world? With proper planning, career counselling from experts in the related field, discussion and family meetings will help students make the best decision .

I remember people around me questioning me for choosing to study management despite my good grades. My parents always wanted me to study medicine. I was good in  English. A curious reader since childhood, but I never had the  guts to tell them about my preferences. I instead chose management because my young mind thought studying science would be hard. My parents were not strict, and they would not have objected to my choice, but then an obedient girl was not supposed to go against their wishes. I don't even remember if I knew what career I wanted to choose. One day, my neighbour asked my grandfather if I would like to volunteer during my summer break at a reputed school. I agreed and that was how my teaching career started back in 2060. 

My parents selected a college where I couldn't even last a few months. I was happy in my new college, but I hardly remember the details of my finance or other classes. When it came time for me to go to graduate school, everyone wanted me to pursue an MBA. We even visited a number of good business schools. . It was then that I decided to pursue what I always loved: literature. I decided to pursue a graduate degree   in English Literature. I had to study about  37 books in two semesters. And I loved those times. . Reading those books was soothing, and every assignment was exciting. I was done with the graduate school in no time and my daughter started her pre-school. I decided to take education leadership, and enrolled in M Phil in Education. It was an addition to my career path. I loved every bit of the program. Despite the rigor, I enjoyed the classes because it was what I wanted to do! 

 I have no regrets about my choices. I landed up with the career of my choice. But what if I had a good mentor?  I was lucky in a sense that my parents never imposed their will on me. They wanted me to give my best in whatever I did. And I was able to discover and  follow my dreams. But not everyone is as lucky!

We recently had a career  counselling for the SEE  students conducted by academic experts, principals and educators. Here are some of the key ideas that emerged from the session: 

• Knowing about the facts : It is important for you to know of the stream you choose. Does it lead you to your goals? Is it something you really want to do? Does it weave  a path that connects you to your future dreams? You should have answers to these questions. It could be science, management, A-Levels or IB.  Find information, research well and be prepared! .
• Listen to everyone, but make your own choice : It is natural for your parents, relatives and neighbors to nudge you toward a certain stream. But you know your strength and interests. Talk to your teachers. They know you well. Check your academic reports and  look for consistency. It's a nice idea to trace your academic abilities that have consistency.
• Choose the right college: Discuss with your parents and take the call. You might also want to discuss the budget. Look for recommendations from your teachers, school, friends and family circle. Visiting more colleges might help find the best one. Does the school have  a nice library that accommodates all the reading materials and books required? The college environment and ambience matters a lot. Most importantly, you might want to know the teaching faculty.
• Nothing beats hard work:  As they say,"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.". Smart work might sound good but hard work creates magic. Always carry your passion, make sure you give your best in any task you do. Do enough research, back them up with required skills and strategies, making the most of it. Set a goal and work constantly to achieve it, one at a time. 

As a teenager, you  are  vulnerable, the tendency to follow seniors, friends or society is  appealing. Enrolling in the same college as your best friend is also attractive for a number of reasons.You should

take time and  decide on the course you want to take in life. 

Good luck!