Growing up as the youngest and only daughter in a family of six, I often felt like the odd one out. My three older brothers and my father, an engineer, shared a bond over their shared interests, while I navigated my own path. Despite this, I found solace in my father's guidance; he was not just a parent but a mentor—the best teacher I had ever known.
In primary school, I dreamed of becoming a medical doctor, driven by a desire to care for my parents. This ambition was met with approval from my family and peers. However, upon entering secondary school, I began to question this path. The sciences, once appealing, no longer resonated with my evolving interests. I never had the thought of going for art at any point untill then. I guess that was what threw my parents off balance at the time.à
I found myself at a crossroads, torn between the sciences and the arts. The decision was daunting, each path leading to a vastly different future. Funny how no matter how you try to picture your own life in 10 years time you still end up blank cause you know you really can't decide what's even to happen the next day of your life. I considered pursuing law or accounting, fields within the arts that intrigued me. Accountimg because I was very good at anything that involved calculations and law because I was known for hardly losing an argument cause I'll find out the facts of a matter before pursuing it to and argument. Yet, my father, whose opinion I valued deeply, gently dissuaded me from these choices, encouraging me to consider engineering instead. I knew I could literally go for any course and still excel there. I think that should be my worst decision, putting my fate in the decision of someone who couldn't see through me.
Faced with this paternal guidance, I chose to follow in my father's footsteps and pursue engineering. Despite this decision, uncertainty lingered. I questioned my aptitude and passion for a field I had not initially chosen for myself. The goal was just to get my degree with no iota of thoughts on what would happen after the degree.
As I navigated the final years of secondary school, my thoughts frequently drifted to university life. The prospect of freedom and self-discovery that higher education promised was both exhilarating and daunting. I envisioned a future where I could explore my interests more deeply, make independent choices, and carve out my own identity.
This anticipation of university life fueled my determination to excel in my studies, despite the internal conflict regarding my chosen field. I hoped that the broader horizons of university would provide clarity and allow me to align my career path with my true passions.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my experience mirrors that of many Nigerian students who face pressure to choose certain career paths due to parental influence or societal expectations. The dichotomy between science and art streams in Nigerian secondary schools can limit students' perceptions of their potential career options. Parental influence plays a significant role in career choice among secondary school students, as highlighted in studies focusing on Nigerian education systems.
My journey underscores the importance of self-discovery and the need for students to explore their interests and strengths when making career decisions. It also highlights the role of parental guidance, which, while well-intentioned, should support rather than dictate a child's career choice x