Today we had our careers expo at school. We set up displays for subjects and teachers stand by to answer questions. Tertiary education providers and employment agencies provide information to help students in their subject selections keeping their futures in mind. This year I was course checking for our current year 9 students.

It was tricky going at times. You have to be careful with the young people who have no idea what they want to do because any little suggestion you make - they jump on, out of desperation at not knowing what to do. I don’t want to make those kinds of decisions for others, it’s hard enough making them for yourself. There were long periods of silence with some students.

There were students who are challenged in a subject, which also happens to be the area, the job they want, requires. For example a student who struggles with or hates maths and wants to do some degree where maths is a prerequisite. How do you tell them ‘NO!!, don’t do it!’, or even more to the point, should you? I think whatever decisions made about careers, should be theirs. You can give them information, share your own learning experiences, but who knows what they can and can’t do, if they have a goal. I have seen students who have made total turn arounds once they have a goal.

There are kids with parents who have definate ideas about what their child should do. I have had this experience with my own. My ex husband was really definate about them doing maths and science. I found it annoying since these were not areas of strength or interest for my kids. I chose not to interfere in the process and they ended up including them and listening to him. I don’t think it was necessary, but it didn’t kill them. I think they could have enjoyed their education more, doing subjects they enjoyed and were good at. I feel annoyed with parents who impose on their kids like that - but I hope I hide it.  

I have a three day weekend now. Yay!

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