Is it too late to shift courses?

Dear China, Mai-Mai and Tingting,

I will be in college this June and I’m taking up a course I don’t like. I didn’t have the guts to go against my parents’ wishes and now, I am regretting this weakness. They want me to be an accountant even if I’m lousy with numbers and I want to be a visual artist because I can draw very well. Is it too late to change course? I don’t know if I can survive college doing something I don’t like. I heard the environment is stressful enough. Please help. – Green

It isn’t late. In the first year of college, they usually teach the basic subjects many of which can be credited in both accounting and fine arts courses. Compare your curriculum to know more. This gives you a full four months to muster the courage to talk to your parents again. Explain to them why you want to take the course and maybe this time, they will acknowledge your feelings. – China

You should have spoken up before you enrolled. However, it’s not yet too late. You might be taking some accounting lessons in your first year, but you might be able to have some of your subjects credited if you shift. Let me say though that I don’t suggest you shifting courses until you have had a heart-to-heart talk with your parents. Remember who’s paying the bill. If you feel strongly about visual arts and they still disagree, you can do two things: Pay the bill yourself, or finish the course on their terms and take extra classes on visual arts when you finish accounting. This way, you get two degrees. You might lose some time, but it will satisfy you and your parents. – Mai-Mai

Yes, college life can be a bit stressful. However, it will be more stressful if you enter it on a negative note. You have already enrolled yourself and you should start conditioning your mind that you will survive the college years. If not, you guarantee yourself some failure. I suggest that you give it a try. No use moping. Who knows, you might even find yourself enjoying the course, especially if you are able to meet new friends to motivate you. Be positive. In fairness to your parents, one of the most important and in-demand people are accountants. Take a look at the ads. They asked you to take the course because they believe it’s best for you and it is a path that can stabilize your future. – Tingting

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Back-To-School Blues

Dear China, Mai-Mai and Tingting,

I have just graduated from high school and am already enrolled in one of the most expensive and prestigious schools in Manila. Although my parents cannot really afford it, they decided to enroll me because they believe that more job opportunities are available to graduates of these schools. My problem is, I don’t know if they can sustain my education. Unfortunately, I didn’t pass UP which I heard has a cheaper tuition fee. What else can we do? – JT

Maybe you should try applying for corporate scholarships. Try browsing the Internet and find out which companies offer educational scholarships and how you can avail of these. Your parents will definitely find a way to put your education no matter how expensive it is, but helping them find a way for you to continue is appropriate. Don’t let them sweat it out and think that it’s their obligation and your right to be enrolled in this school. Help them by applying for shcolarships ad even student loans. On top of this, make sure you do exceptionally well in the school and not give your parents mediocre grades. – China

While there’s some truth to the belief that more opportunitiees are open to graduates of La Salle, Ateneo and UP, you shouldn’t also underestimate your own capabilities. If there’s a scoreboard, the graduates of these schools would surely score some points. But it’s not the end of all things. Other things count. For example, decorum, the way you dress, the way you talk, the way you conduct yourself, etc. Then there are written examinations. If you score high in the aptitude test, you score high points too. If you feel you won’t be able to sustain an education in the expensive schools, then maybe while you’re there, you should start honing important skills like communication (written and otal). A good dose of self-confidence will also bring you some good. – Mai-Mai

Ever thought of being a working student? There’s no shame in that. Apart from tuition, remember that there will be other expenses like allowance, books, transportation, projects, etc. You should really find a way to help out or you won’t finish your education in this expensive school. Having said that, you shouldn’t underrate other schools too. Depending on what you intend to take up, there are specialized schools around. UST has a good medical school. San Beda has a good law school. Accounting is also good in UE. Find the school that is best for your course. Remember, the name of the school can just open the door for you but doesn’t guarantee you the employment. A lot still depends on how you present yourself. – Tingting

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Send questions to sistersact_ys@yahoo.com.