Choose the right elective and life would become much easier
Many students in Hong Kong don’t choose their electives according to their interests. To a certain extent, this could be because many parents want their children to become doctors or lawyers. Since their minds are set on well-paid jobs, they force their kids to study subjects like physics, chemistry and biology.
Although these jobs will provide their children with a relatively safe and stable lifestyle, some students actually don’t like sciences. As a result, they are not passionate about what they learn and could end up hating their subjects. This way, they are sacrificing their God-given talents and a chance to become skilled professionals and contribute to society in the future.
The best advice I can give to students is to figure out your dream and follow it.
Also, talking honestly with your parents is essential. You should tell them what subjects you like and why you like them. Then you will enjoy your lessons and have a clear objective. And you will have less stress. In other words, life would become a lot easier.
Cyrus Choy, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College
From the Editor
Thank you for your letter, Cyrus. If only there was some way we could look into the future and know what would be best for us. Students these days have a lot of options when it comes to subjects. And you’re absolutely right that some parents insist that students take certain courses.
Personally I believe that it doesn’t really matter. If you are passionate about something, you will find a way to do it. So, for instance, if you love painting, you won’t stop doing it.
When you get to university, or even later if need be, you can work out a way to follow your passion at the same time.
I admit that I struggled with maths at school and eventually had to drop it and choose typing, which became very useful in journalism. My older sister, who is quite the mathematician I might add, really tried to talk me out of it. She told me many sciences would be closed off to me and I would not be able to choose them as a career.
These days, with so many forms of education to choose from, it’s not really like that. If you wish to learn a subject, it’s fairly easy to pick it up through part-time courses or distance learning.
So while it’s not easy to accept your parents’ decision, don’t let it make you bitter. Know that there will be a time, very soon, when you will be making your own decisions and then nothing can stop you.
Susan, Editor