Students, open your minds

LAST Thursday, students who sat for the Form Three Assessment (PT3) collected their results from their respective schools. Some feel excited about venturing into a new phase of learning next year, but many may have a hard time choosing their stream while considering their parents’ expectation and peer pressure.

Students who lack maturity and have low self-confidence may easily be influenced by their cliques who would rather sacrifice individual interests and come up with a shared decision for the sake of staying together.

This situation shows the dependent personalities of students as well as their inability and unwillingness to leave their comfort zone and start believing in themselves. Their misinterpretation of catchphrases such as “true friendship” and “sharing is caring” makes them act in a way that denies them the chance to shine.

True friends are those who accept and celebrate the differences and uniqueness of their friends, even when they do not share the same hopes and dreams. In fact, registering for a different class may help them expand their circle of friends and gain new experiences.

In the old days, sceptical parents thought that medicine, engineering, law and architecture were the only disciplines their children should choose to become success- ful people. Hopefully, it is not the case now for there are many job opportunities available for individuals with different skills.

At school, counsellors may conduct a special session with these students to remind them that Form Four is not a honeymoon year.

It may also be a good idea to invite accomplished school alumni to share experiences, insights, suggestions and life lessons. This heart-to-heart session may help demotivated students and those with a lackadaisical attitude to open their minds.

We live in a competitive world. Students need not wait until they get their SPM results to start thinking about their field of studies and career paths. Truth be told, early preparation will make students learners with a future-centric way of thinking. When they stay focused and committed to achieving their goals, they will stay on the right track. MUHAMAD SOLAHUDIN RAMLI Marang, Terengganu