I have seen people choose careers they have no passion for, study courses they do not enjoy, or even marry people they do not love simply to satisfy others, especially their parents. I can relate to this because I have experienced something similar in my own life. While growing up, I had a passion to study accounting. This ws something I enjoyed doing because they brought me happiness.
However, when I was in Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1), my mother told me that I would study nursing because she believed it would provide better financial opportunities. Since she was a nurse herself, she also wanted me to become a nurse. I did not argue with her; I simply agreed. Later, when I entered university to study nursing, I discovered that I did not have the passion for it. I often fainted during practical sessions involving blood and medical procedures. I endured these challenges for two years without telling my mother because she was sponsoring my education, and I did not want to disappoint her, this doesn’t portray my mother as a bad person, she just wanted me to have financial security.
Eventually, I found the courage to explain that I had chosen nursing mainly to please her rather than because it was my personal dream. I had to leave the course and start afresh by studying accounting, a field that aligned more closely with my interests and abilities.
When I started studying accounting, I began to understand the importance of identifying my interests and following a path that suited me. I remember feeling that I had finally found myself, This is me; this is what I have always wanted. Unlike my experience studying nursing, I looked forward to attending my next class because I genuinely enjoyed what I was learning. This experience helped me realise that when we pursue something that aligns with our interests and abilities, we are more likely to feel motivated and engaged. It also taught me that discovering our talents and passions can help us make better decisions about our future and bring us closer to understanding our purpose in life.
From this experience, I learnt that I should not allow other people to make decisions about my life without considering my own feelings, interests, and aspirations. Initially, I agreed to study nursing because I did not want to disappoint my mother.
However, in trying to please her, I eventually disappointed her anyway, while also losing valuable time and money. Looking back, I realise that I should have communicated my passion and concerns from the beginning instead of choosing a course I knew I did not enjoy. This experience taught me the importance of being honest with myself and others about what I truly want in life.
My advice to anyone facing a similar situation is to remember that you cannot spend your entire life trying to please everyone. As long as you have carefully considered your options and are making responsible decisions about your future, have the courage to pursue the path that suits you. People may not understand or agree with your choices at first, but with time, they may come to understand your reasons. Respecting your parents and loved ones is important, but you should also recognise that you are the person who must live with the consequences of your decision. Do you, people will adjust.
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