After class 10th, every student faces a pivotal moment—a point where one door opens to reveal many others, each offering different opportunities. This phase is both exciting and overwhelming. The decisions made during this time are crucial for shaping our future, and the responsibility of making the right choice feels immense.
Broadly speaking, students fall into three categories when it comes to choosing their stream:
The first category consists of students who are clear about their ambitions. They know what they want, have set priorities, and are determined to achieve their goals.
The second category includes students who find themselves torn between two streams. These students plan to carefully analyze their options and take a calculated step toward their future.
And finally, there’s the third category—students who choose a stream because of external pressure, whether it’s from parents, relatives, or societal expectations.
Having experienced the first two categories, I now find myself, quite unexpectedly, falling into the third.
Over time, many people have confronted me about my choices. They’ve questioned my interests, challenged my decisions, and often presented arguments so strong that I found myself with no immediate response. It’s not easy to stand firm when not one, but several voices echo the same thoughts.
Their words often revolve around statements like:
“Why are you running away from this stream when it’s practically made for you?”
“I guarantee that with focus and determination, you’ll achieve great success here.”
“Do you think we’re not giving you enough support to succeed?”
Each of these questions leaves me speechless, locking my words somewhere deep inside. It’s not that I don’t have my own thoughts or arguments—I do. But in those moments, I simply cannot express them.
Their arguments have made me question my own interests. They’ve planted doubts in my mind about whether my passions are valid or if I’m just avoiding a path that might truly be meant for me. They also bring up a point that keeps me conflicted: “At this age, you’re not mature enough to make such big decisions on your own. You need proper guidance.”
I partly agree with this statement, but at the same time, I can’t fully accept it. If we’re truly not mature enough to make our own decisions, then why does our education system expect us to choose a path at this stage? Why design a system that demands clarity from individuals who are still growing and exploring themselves? After all, isn’t the youth the future of any nation? A system that undermines their ability to decide could very well hinder the nation’s growth.
As they spoke, one question kept repeating in my mind: “So when will we be mature enough to make our own decisions? Will it be after someone else has already made them for us?”
This inner conflict isn’t easy to navigate. On one hand, I understand that guidance is important. On the other, I believe growth comes from taking responsibility for our choices, even if it means making mistakes. At some point, we need to trust ourselves to learn and adapt through our experiences.
In the end, this decision should reflect who you are, not who others expect you to be. It’s okay to listen to advice and consider others’ perspectives, but the final choice should align with your passions, strengths, and aspirations. Remember, this phase isn’t just about picking a stream—it’s about discovering yourself. Trust your instincts, embrace the journey, and know that it’s never too late to course-correct if needed.
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