Scott Watson
Mrs. Koch
English Honors 2
Future Intentions
As a child begins his or her education they are taught the values of individualism and the right’s they have to be who they want. As the child grows up, progresses through his education, and slowly begins to mature, they start to piece together their own wants, needs, and future. But very few children go thorough this process smoothly, especially without any support from another source. Naturally, most children draw support from their own parents who serve as mentors and give them guidance throughout most of their lives. While this process has been happening for generations, individualism is valued in the modern day more then ever. While many parents offer a helping hand in the direction of a child’s future, there are those who unknowingly and willingly pressure their child to pursue a career that they may or may not be necessarily interested in. When this happens, a child’s own wants are substituted with the Parent’s desires, canceling out the effects that the child has grown up knowing. They are no longer deciding what they want to make of their life, instead being made to do something else. To avoid this, one must ask themselves what they would like to do, and what they don’t want to do.
A career path that I would enjoy would be teaching History as a professor. Growing up, my parent provided me with books about dozens of world events and happenings. I read all that I could, and today it’s made me want to teach what I’ve learned. I feel that I would be able to teach history effectively, I’ll be able to relate with my students on their desire to learn History, and that the subject comes naturally not only for myself, but also for my family as well. My oldest brother is majoring in History, so teaching runs in the families blood.
A career path my parents have pressured to me follow is in Medical Sciences. Although my Uncle is a an ER Doctor, I don’t have any desire to learn about Medicine. I feel that I wouldn’t be able to deal with the pressure like my Uncle. If I were to make one mistake, then my patients life could be ended because of it. In contrast, History causes little pressure comparable to this. Another problem I would have with learning about Medicine is the lengthy time one must study it. My Uncle went to college for eight years, while my brother has been going for just over four. Finally, when I think of being a History Professor and being an ER Doctor, I compare the two. The sheer amount of interest I have in History completely outshines any of the benefits of being a Doctor. This alone only makes me desire learning History even more.
In conclusion, as a child it’s important to understand the importance of making one’s own decisions in life, but it’s equally important as a parent to allow your child to do so without any pressure to do something they don’t want too. When choosing a career, a person has to factor in the benefits and negatives of a career and when they find one that’s positives outweigh its negatives, then they’ve found a potential life career. Think to yourself, am I doing what I always wanted too?
