IN our society, it is the parents who decide the academic future of their children. When children reach Class VIII, the real test of their endurance starts, as all extra-curricular activities become forbidden and they are confined to their room, surrounded by thick books.
Parents keep telling their children that they have to take science subjects for their secondary school examination, and are not ready to accept any resistance from the young ones. After children pass Class VIII, parents and other family members take on the responsibility of deciding what subjects the poor children should study. Children’s aptitude and preferences are completely ignored, and whenever they try to express their views they are not allowed to do so.
Most parents want their children to study science subjects and they see a future doctor or engineer in their offsprings. Once a student chooses to study science, he or she is automatically considered to be an intelligent and studious individual. Some parents prefer commerce and imagine the child doing MBA and then working as an MD in a bank. In few cases, relatives are asked for advice and they make the decision. The child, who is the only one who really knows what he wants to be in life, is not asked for his opinion.
Choosing social sciences or humanities is never an option as it is generally considered that only students who are really poor at studies take up this branch of learning.
When I was in Class VIII, I faced a similar situation — everyone tried to force their decisions on me, without considering the fact that I may have an opinion of my own about it. My marks were good enough to get me enrolled in the science and commerce sections of my school, but I had other ideas. One day, I mustered up enough courage and announced that I would be grateful if I was allowed to take Home Economics subjects for Matriculation. The memories of that evening are still well-etched in my mind. The wrath of all the family members fell upon me. I was told that, being the youngest, I must follow in the footsteps of my elder brothers and sisters who were all science students. My parents, aunts and, even, teachers openly showed their resentment at my choice, but I stood my ground.
The environment of the house remained tense for quite sometime. Just when I was thinking of giving up my stand as I did not like fulfilling my dreams at the cost of my family’s unhappiness, I got the permission to study Home Economics. Class IX went off smoothly and was over in no time. The final year at school, however, proved to be the toughest as some subjects of Home Economics were really demanding. I found the practical for the subject of clothing the hardest, though in theory I got the highest marks in the school. Nobody knew much about sewing in my family, so I made regular visits to the tailor who was a great help. Somehow, I managed to pass the final exams with flying colours.
When I got admission in Home Economics College, my dream was to become a nutritionist, but I soon came to know that one has to study clothing a few years and it is only then that one could specialize in a certain subject. Sewing ghararas and shararas for the next few years seemed an impossible task to me, and I applied in the social science faculty of another college. This experience made me realize that one should not only study what one is interested in, but also what one can do easily.
When I took up social science subjects in college, I realized that it should not be considered the faculty of third-graders as it requires a lot of hard work and studying. At the end of the day, what matters most is a degree in a field of study that you are interested in, and there are more chances of your success in a profession you like than one that others choose for you.
