Emma Raducanu
The first in Modern Era to win a grand slam as a qualifier in 2021, winning US Open
She’s as old as my +2 Teens at ZEN looking at a career to build
I was one of those fortunate to have witnessed Emma create history at Rolland Garros, win the US Open, few days short of her 18 years. It was smiles and pure joy all around. The end result of self belief and hard work of an immigrant to UK. And thats what teen power is all about!
How to choose a Career post +2
This is the most daunting question asked by a teenager in +2 and by her or his parents.
Let’s see how we can answer it; building on the teen power and the aspirations of their parents.
For us in India, choice of stream of education and doing well in it is the priority and prime focus during the +2 days. As students, we are forced to give a sabbatical to the “extra curricular” activities you loved so much. As Parents, we postpone everything in life to dedicate those precious two years for our children.
But how do we choose the best career for our child? A career choice is a combination of own talents and capabilities and opportunities available in the career space. There was a time when the perception was that you became an Engineer or a Doctor or a no one! This was forced upon by societal pressure, ill built around the middle class peer pressure. While a fraction of those who attempted succeeded in admissions, even the ones who got in found the going tough and the profession not as successful as they thought. This is where we need to find the right balance between own talents and the choice of career.
Dear Parent, What is your child’s aptitude? ( Aptitude means, Apt – Attitude ). Is he a wizard with numbers? Make him an Engineer. Does your daughter have a photographic memory and a heart to serve others selfless, make her a Doctor. Are they good readers and have an argumentative nature, make them lawyers and if they are good at telling stories and spinning yarns, make them teachers!
As an educator and life coach, I have parents and their wards meet me. Not always, but many a time I find the parents trying to live their own/lost dreams through their children. Its a sure shot recipe for disaster. I had a mother weeping, saying 2nd year in to Engineering, the boy decided to just stop studies; it was her dream built on hard work and an educational loan. Once you step in to adolescence and adulthood, the parents have no say.
LAW As a Career
There is immense opportunity in Law as a career for those with an aptitude for it and a mindset for standing up for justice.
The number vacancies in Judiciary across India runs in to Lakhs, as Judicial officers and judges from Munsif court up.
Further, for those who aspire to clear civil service, both at state and central level, no better preparation ground than law
The dialogue between the parent and child need to start in 10th standard itself. As a parent, introduce your child to all career options available. Help her choose one by the 11th. After all +2 is just a launch pad; a science stream student can be the best charted accountant or a BBA. Let’s help our kids find the moorings!
