Ask Jasmine: Finding your Passion

Posted on Tuesday, January 5th, 2016

60431f5b

“I’m 22 years old and a second year student. I am having some serious doubts about the program I have chosen. My family has put a lot of pressure on me to go into this program, but I don’t feel like it’s my true passion. I want my family to be proud of me, but I also want to follow my heart. Is it too late to change programs? What should I do?”

There’s a lot of pressure to determine a career path early in life, whether from your parents or from society in general. From the time we learn to speak, we are asked, “what do you want to do when you grow up?” The reality is that for many young adults, settling on a program of study or a specific career can be a lengthy and exploratory process. Taking a variety of courses or programs and making multiple career changes is a normal and an often-necessary step in finding a career that fits for you.

Your question has touched upon a very valuable life lesson: the importance of pursuing a career that you find fulfilling and that makes you happy. Many people feel torn between the desire to please their parents and wanting to pursue their own conflicting interests and passions. This dilemma can result in feeling really stuck, but here’s the bottom line: pursuing a career that pleases someone else but doesn’t honour your own passions and skillset, is likely going to leave you feeling resentful and unsatisfied.

It’s important that you don’t frame the last year of school as a waste of your time. You’ve undoubtedly gained some valuable knowledge and skills. You’ve likely met some new friends, and you’re now much more familiar with the practicalities of college life. These experiences will help you to succeed if you decide to transition into a different field of study.

Consider the following 3 steps when making your decision:

1. Speak with us

Speak with both a Student Success Specialist and your Program Coordinator. If you decide to switch into another program, they should be your first point of contact. You may be able to apply some of your credits to your new program of choice, making the transition a little smoother. A Student Success Specialist will also be able to answer questions about financial aid and the paperwork requirements for switching programs.

2. Find your passion

Some students don’t know what they are passionate about yet. If you’re uncertain about which program or career path fits best for you, a Counsellor in Student Support Services can administer a formal career assessment. Your counsellor will discuss the detailed results of your assessment with you, and offer guidance if needed. Career assessments provide clarity about your interests and skills, and how they fit with a variety of careers. You can also discuss any unresolved feelings that might surround your decision to switch programs, including anxiety, fear, or guilt, with a Counsellor.

3. Summon Courage

Schedule a time to sit down with your parents so that you don’t feel rushed, and express to them how you truly feel. If you know what you’re passionate about, tell them why and let them know how important it is for you to pursue your own goals in life. If you’re unsure about your career path, let them know that you might need to do some personal exploring.

The conversation might not be easy, but in the long run, it will be worth it.

Ottawa Campus Counselling Services: (613) 727-4723 ext. 7200
Pembroke Campus Counselling Services: (613) 735-4700 ext. 2804
Perth Campus Counselling Services: (613) 267-2859 ext. 5610

Jasmine

Jasmine Cady
M.A. Canadian Certified Counsellor, Pembroke Campus
Jasmine.Cady@algonquincollege.com
(613) 735-4700 ext. 2804

This was adapted from the AC Hub Newsletter, a monthly publication produced by Student Services.


Comments

Comments are closed.