Course selection: how about taking the pressure off?
Are you nearing the end of Secondary 3 or 4 and feeling the pressure to choose a course? It's so normal: between the adults who insist that this choice is decisive for your future, and you who may have no idea what you want to do, it's the perfect recipe for panic!
It's a choice, not THE choice
Deciding on your courses, and later, your studies, is pretty much the first big decision you're asked to make on your own. Obviously, this generates a certain amount of anxiety: fear of making a mistake, fear of disappointing your parents, fear of never finding a job, fear of missing out on your whole life.
It's important to take a step back: choosing a course is certainly an important choice, but it's not THE choice that will define your whole life.
You have your whole future ahead of you, and plenty of time to change your mind and your interests. Your career path is not a straight line! On the contrary, it evolves with time, encounters and opportunities. Many adults go back to school, which just goes to show that you can change your path along the way.
It's okay to make mistakes!
You have to make up your mind, and the right choice will be the one that makes sense for you. If it's the right one the first time and you feel fulfilled in your studies, bingo! If not, remember that you'll have gained new experience that will help you reorient yourself towards a program that suits you better.
Guidance counsellors can help you find what's right for you right now - and you can consult them throughout your career! Life is far from linear.
Forcing yourself is risky
Forcing yourself to take courses you don't like means running the risk of losing motivation. This can have a negative impact on your grade point average, and ultimately on your academic record.
If your parents insist that you take a specific program, try to discuss it with them to understand why they are forcing you into a choice that isn't yours. Show them that you're trustworthy and that you can make your own decisions, taking responsibility for the potential consequences of your choice (for example, if you end up changing programs). Tell them about your interests and what you imagine your future to be, so that they can better understand your choice.
Plenty of options
It's true that some Cegep programs require specific courses. But there are many options available if you didn't choose this profile initially: summer session, extra courses... Here again, guidance counselors can help you avoid getting demoralized if you didn't opt for the traditional route.
