I AM TEACHING DOCTORS AND ENGINEERS

Last week we admitted new students in Form One. The boys look so young; you almost wonder whether they have really been through Primary School.

Normally, when I have new students, I like to ask them to say their name and their dreams (what they aspire to be after their education)

A large majority said doctors (about 30%), 20% said engineers. The rest wanted to be teachers, lawyers, pilots, politicians, accountants, nurses, policemen, one wanted to be a driver, another one was not sure.

They look confident, and you could see the sparkle in their eyes when talking about their future careers.

My son has always wanted to be a pilot. So much so that he has this book on different types of planes that he has to look at every night before he goes to bed. Then he saw in a movie a plane that was blown off mid air. He said he no longer wants to be a pilot because planes get blown off. I had to assure him that it was all fake, but then again it could happen... I know I kind of had him confused especially on that it could happen. I believe when he can fully understand it, he will be able to know what I meant.

Every phase in education offers the student a new hope, a new life, a new chance/opportunity to shape their life. For young people, it goes deeper than that. When they talk about what they like to become, it’s because they are most certainly sure, and nothing stands in their way. Unfortunately a good number do not make it to pursue their dream career.

A lot happens between the time a student joins school and the time they leave for their chosen careers. Along the way are many issues they come across, some good, some quite challenging and others downright difficult. As a parent, it’s up to you to become the firm foundation on which a child can put their hope, on which they can always glance back in times of despair and get the much needed nudge to press on. It may just be a nod, that this will pass, or words of encouragement, or just a listening ear.

Here are a few tips, from my personal experience and what I have seen with others, on how to make sure your kid stays focused to pursue their dreams

1. Ask. A good number of parents have never taken the time to really ask their children what they would like to become when they grow up. Mostly, we assume they will follow in our footsteps. But do you really want your child to follow in your footsteps? Before you answer this question, take time to mentally retrace your footsteps and see whether that is what you want for your child.
2. Why. Let your child explain to you why they have chosen this career and not the other. The purpose of this is to be able to know your kid’s exact interests, and then you can be able to properly assist them towards that goal.
3. Research, research, research. When your child expresses interest in a certain career, take time to research, preferably with them on what the career entails. Have the facts at hand. Talk to an expert in the field the child is interested in. have them ask all questions they have about their career interest.
4. Follow up. Sometimes due to peer influence a child may change their mind on what they really want to be. Find out why, listen, and ask if it’s their choice or because their friend says so. Make them understand that one time they will be all grown up and their friends will not be around any more, then they will live their own lives.
5. Give them support. If you come across material that may assist them in creating more interest, give it to them.
6. For “highly academic” careers (ones that need specialization in certain academic areas), assist them to choose the right subjects. If you are not sure, consult their teacher, or someone already in that career.
7. Most importantly, look out for special talents that your child possesses, get an expert if you have to. There are many out there. That way, you can know how as a parent you can complement their interests with the special capabilities they have, and you can give the right career guidance.

I am teaching young boys, but am looking at DOCTORS, ENGINEERS, PILOTS, TEACHERS, LAWYERS, BUSINESS PEOPLE AND OTHER GREAT PERSONS!