2020, my son just cleared his 12th std. Though he got great results (86%) in Humanities stream, following and encouraging a score based learning is not what we have ever encouraged. The focus has always been on learning, developing skills and character building.
While we are busy helping him identify what he wants to do next, what his passions are and what attracts him, so that his future doesn't fall into the trap of earning a living and paying bills. Yet, the common question we get asked from our friends, relatives and well wishers is 'what is he doing next? When is he joining college?' and sometimes well intentioned yet unsolicited advices like 'don't let it be a long break', 'they won't know, just put him in something, get him busy', etc.
It is no one's fault here. We are so accustomed to a certain pattern of education, career, earning etc., that it truly becomes difficult to break the pattern and look beyond that.
While we are committed to help him explore, identify and align with his passion and make a career out of it, as much time as it may take, I must confess, keeping up with the expectations of people around us and constantly reminding ourselves to not get entangled in the same net of rat race, is a daily struggle.
On a side note, as a parent I cannot be happier to see him contributing his time and skills to Making A Difference (www.mad2.in), learning and managing the complete website updates and improvements. It is the skills, the learning and the character that matters the most in the end.
Fast forward to 2021, more than a year passed and our son has surprised us in more ways than one in this one year. 5th of Oct, he completes 1 year of working experience before he even turns 20.
This work experience has given him great exposure, visibility into the world, opportunity to meet different people, learn to interact with all types, in all situations, handling work pressures, late nights and early mornings. He has learned the nuances of communication, of event planning and management, client management, content writing, website design outline basics and more. He has learned to push himself beyond his comfort zone, to control his emotions and let go. To support team members and stand by them. To go beyond, for higher quality. To be creative and intuitive. And much much more...
While the continuation of his formal education took a back seat in this one year (which he will soon restart), I am 100% confident that what he gained is much more rich in experience and learning.
He may not yet have complete clarity of what he wants, but he sure knows what he doesn't want on life. An answer many adults realize after spending decades in education and employment. This we believe is the biggest reward, the best progress.
Conclusion, let me remind all the parents out there, please look beyond the standard structures of education and employment. There is much more in life to explore. Focus on character building, helping your child find peace early in life.
Believe me, it is NOT easy to break away the shackles of confinement and judgment; of social opinions and peer pressures. But is it not impossible either.
Let your children explore the sky, not just a nest you choose for them.
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