Success is what you make it

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” As students, this seems to be the existential question that has slowly become the bane of our existence. While at nearly every stage of our school career, there seems to be an impending decision about career choices looming in the corner, I believe that it is essential to discuss whether or not this pressure enforced on us is a necessary push into the future, or an inevitable detriment to our self-confidence.

At some point during Year 9 you are hit with the reality of having to choose GCSE options. As year 11 comes to a close, there is an imminent question of which subjects to focus on for A Level. Then, as A Levels are underway, we are told to begin thinking about university courses, and which country you may want to spend the next 3-4 years in, ultimately deciding the career path you pursue. From a young age there is a certain pressure, and arguably fear, instilled in us to always have predetermined what the next step is. On one hand, within an educational environment, schools have a responsibility to facilitate learning, and set us on a path for success and happiness in the future. But on the other hand, it can be argued that this encouraged decision making sets young people up on a path that is ultimately too restrictive.

The way in which the media portrays success, particularly in movies and television shows, depicts a certain type of passion which usually entails a protagonist having decided on a career from the age of 12 and ardently pursuing it henceforth. What this does is reinforce the idea that once you have made that career choice, there is no going back. I believe that this isn’t a realistic portrayal of life - as is usually the case with movies. Although some people will be lucky enough to come across passion at such a young age, and should be encouraged to pursue that, it is simply not true that everyone will be the same. Not having a “passion” doesn’t mean you won’t make the right choice, whether that be for subject options, university courses, or even career decisions down the line. Your choices may not always be fireworks and butterflies in your stomach, but rather something more pragmatic - and that is completely okay. In 2012, an interview with Oprah and Gloria Steinem, American feminist journalist and social political activist, saw Steinmen give out a portion of her wisdom as she said “the whole idea is not to figure out what you should do that will matter, but to make each thing you do reflect the values you want. Because we don't know what is going to matter in the future.”

The matter of fact is that, if a turning point is reached where you want to change career decisions, you shouldn’t feel as though you are restricted in doing so, due to having been pressured into one restrictive path.

The reality of the 21st century education system is that there has been a prevalent transformation in the ways that the curicuulum is presented. Young people are now not just prepared for a choice few, arguably extremely conventional, career paths, but instead are taught first and foremost how to be adequate global citizens, so that we may choose from an infinite amount of career paths. The modern day student is less likely to feel restricted by aspiration choices as they are guided through critical thinking skills, creativity, entrapraneurship and even initiative which ultimately set young people up for success, no matter what path is pursued. Thus, these transformations within the education system have been imperative for effectively setting young people up for success.

Nonetheless, it is important that, as individuals, we set standards for ourselves, and don’t compare our “passions” and decisions to those around us, because we are all on different paths - as cliché as that may sound. The truth is that you won’t always know what the next step is, but you should always have faith in yourself. To do that, a foolproof method is always doing what makes you happy in the moment. So, pick your GCSE, A Level, and university options based on what you enjoy the most. Because even if it doesn't turn into your life’s work, at least you have learnt and enjoyed what you did.

What I think should be taken away from this is not the idea that you should completely ignore the future and not take any consideration for your ensuing decisions, but rather to not be afraid of what happens, and hopefully alleviate some of the pressure that you may feel has been placed on you. Starting early is always a good idea, but remember that you will continue to change and grow as a person, gain more knowledge, and hopefully prosper. Rest assured that the education system that we reside in aims to prepare you with a growth mindset and the necessary skills for success. So, when next asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I hope your answer lies along the lines of, “I am not completely sure, but at the moment I am doing what I love, with all of the necessary support, and that is perfectly okay.”

• Charlotte Rodney 12E