Choosing a Major: The Battle of Passion vs. Convention

For students everywhere, choosing a major can be a daunting decision. But in Bangladesh, it is like braving a minefield blindfolded. It is not just about picking a major, it is about laying the foundation for your entire future. And the pressure intensifies when your heart sings for a path deemed “risky” by society.

Subsequently, hundreds of questions bombard your mind: should you follow your heart and chase your dream career, even if it is unconventional? Or should you succumb to societal expectations, blend into the crowd, and choose a “safe” major?

This internal battle is what makes choosing a major in Bangladesh so uniquely challenging. It is a story that deserves to be told, and one that hopefully helps someone in navigating this journey with clarity and courage.

How Passion Fuels Fulfilment

Passion is not just a feeling - it is the fire that ignites our lives. When we are truly passionate about something, we pour our energy into it, striving for excellence. It is this spark of interest, combined with dedication, that drives us to learn, grow, and push beyond what we think we are capable of.

But passion is as diverse as we are. The programmer who spends hours delving into code and the scientist captivated by the mysteries of life are both fuelled by this internal drive. One finds satisfaction in solving intricate problems, while the other thrives on unraveling the secrets of the living world.

However, imagine forcing a programmer to dissect a microscope instead of building algorithms. Their lack of interest would quickly drain their motivation, turning tasks into drudgery and frustration. The same goes for the scientist forced to face endless lines of code. Their passion, the very fuel that propelled them forward, would flicker and fade.

This is not just about academics - it extends to our careers. Imagine dedicating four years to a degree that does not ignite your soul. The daily grind would feel unbearable, and satisfaction would be a distant dream.

Therefore, it is crucial to honour our unique passions. They are the guiding force that propels us to excel, the source of the unwavering desire to learn and grow. When we tap into this inner spark, we unlock our true potential and find fulfillment in everything we do.

Piled-up Expectations of Society

Our so-called “concerned” society that claims to care a lot is really good at undermining the mental well-being and creativity of young students. From nosy neighbors to distant relatives, everyone becomes a self-proclaimed career advisor, eager to project their opinions and impose their rigid expectations on where you should go and what you should do, even when you did not ask for it. The big question in all this is whether it is better to go to a public or private university.

Many people think that the main goal for students should be getting into a public university, no matter what they want to study. They believe that public universities are cheaper because the government helps pay for them and gives financial support to students. They also think that getting into a public university is harder, so it shows that you are smart. But this argument fails to acknowledge various underlying truths. It overlooks the fact that not everyone hails from affluent backgrounds capable of affording private tuition. It also dismisses the possibility that some may genuinely prefer the environment of a private university.

Even more importantly, it ignores the existence of individual talents, interests, and preferred fields of study. If your dream subject is not offered at a public university, turning to a private one should not be seen as a “waste of money,” but a necessary step towards pursuing your calling. Yet, the “concerned” society persists, glorifying public options and dismissing private ones as inferior.

This obsession extends beyond institutions, dictating even subject choices. Engineering and medicine become the golden pathways, while “less practical” subjects are belittled, regardless of the university offering them. It is a strange contradiction — a society that regards science as a mark of intelligence frowns upon careers in business or humanities, as if these fields were reserved for lesser minds. Some even resort to gender-based stereotypes, whispering judgements about “boys in biology?” and “girls in engineering?”

These outdated notions and the blind worship of specific subjects and institutions cripple the potential of future generations. Individual abilities and interests become irrelevant, overshadowed by societal expectations. The pressure to crack every public university entrance exam consumes students, leaving their mental health ignored and their passions trampled.

But it is time to break free from this suffocating mold. We owe students the freedom to explore their strengths and carve their own paths. Only then can we cultivate a generation that thrives on individuality, not the crushing weight of societal pressure.

The Admissions Nightmare

Many students find the admissions phase to be a gruelling ordeal. It is something they remember as the worst part of their lives. The pressure is intense, with demands from family and society, and the fear of failing all mixing together in a suffocating way.

Finding your own path, choosing the right field for your talents and passions, feels like a gamble in a society that frowns on unconventional careers. The “ironic” mantra that getting into a public university, regardless of the major, is the sole goal echoes throughout every stage of education.

Students get caught in a suffocating web of pressure, aiming for prestigious institutions and predetermined careers to satisfy others. This pursuit of external validation often drowns out their own desires and talents, leaving them feeling voiceless and invisible.

Every individual possesses unique talents and aspirations, waiting to be explored and nurtured. Yet, the rigid expectations of parents and society often force students onto pre-determined paths, neglecting their true potential and stifling their dreams.

The fear of judgment adds another layer to this suffocating environment. Students, especially those with unconventional aspirations like pursuing business after a science background, may face ridicule and discouragement. Careers like journalism, often deemed “unsuitable” for girls, are met with dismissive pronouncements.

Passions like music or art, often dismissed as frivolous pursuits, can cause a storm of disapproval. This external pressure, coupled with self-doubt, fear of rejection, and the crushing weight of academic demands, can leave students feeling anxious, miserable, and trapped.

The horror of inadequacy, the fear of failure, the breakdowns fuelled by sleepless nights, and the constant “what ifs” push students to the brink of despair. They are robots programmed to perform, with little time or space to simply breathe and find solace.

The emotional toll of the admissions phase is immeasurable. Not everyone has the same resilience, and for some, the relentless pessimism can lead to the darkest thoughts, making escape seem impossible.

While everyone strives for success, not everyone finds it in the same way. Those whose passions align with societal expectations and who secure seats in their dream programs are the fortunate few. Unfortunately, for many, the journey does not end with admissions results. They face the second battle: convincing their parents of alternative paths, coping with the disappointment of unfulfilled dreams, and picking up the pieces to rebuild their future.

Faith, Not Force

The recent “Faith, Not Force” campaign of Bournvita has struck a chord across India and here, too. It is a powerful reminder that forcing children into conventional careers can stifle their potential, crush their enthusiasm, and dim their positivity.

Think about those jars of Bournvita that we all know. Well, this campaign transformed them, squeezing them into shapes like toilet cleaner bottles, egg cartons, and soap boxes. These new packaging designs were meant to send a powerful message: instead of trying to fit our kids into predefined roles, we should focus on helping them explore and develop their true talents and interests.

The message resonates because it reflects a universal truth: talents and dreams are as diverse as individuals. Not everyone excels in the same areas, and that is okay! Remember Farhan Qureshi from “3 Idiots”? Forced into engineering, his spirit dimmed. But when he followed his passion for photography, he soared. Similarly, pushing someone with weak memorisation competence into medicine would not serve anyone well.

Parents should discover their children’s interests and encourage them to enhance their creativity. This includes activities such as painting, dancing, singing, staging plays, and playing games. Parents should ask themselves, “How will this affect my child?” instead of fretting about “what will people think?”

Finding Your Passion: Choosing the Right Major for You

Choosing your major is a crucial decision, and honesty with yourself is key. Forget societal expectations and focus on your own voice. Ditch pre-defined paths and forge your own.

First, identify your strengths and inclinations. What subjects pique your curiosity? What fuels your drive? Do not force yourself into a mold that does not fit. A math lover would not thrive in mechanical engineering, for example. Embrace your unique strengths and choose a field that ignites your passion.

Next, research extensively. Explore universities, course content, study options, future prospects, job types, and salary ranges. Leave no stone unturned. Does the university offer strong resources, supportive faculty, a diverse environment, and a strong alumni network? What opportunities await after graduation? What jobs are available, and how much will you earn? Will it fulfil your potential? Find answers to all these questions before taking the plunge.

Third, seek guidance from experienced individuals in your desired field. Learn from their academic and professional journeys, understand their career choices, and gauge their satisfaction. Their insights can shed light on the road ahead and help you decide if it aligns with what you want.

Once you have gathered enough information, take some time for introspection. Write down the challenges, facts, pros, and cons of each potential major. Discuss your options with trusted friends and family. Finally, prioritise your needs and ask yourself if you are ready to embrace the challenges and build a career in this field.

Remember, your heart knows what it wants. So listen to your inner voice, not societal expectations. Align the statistics with your inner compass and choose accordingly.

Ultimately, ask yourself: Can you picture yourself thriving in this field? Does it spark excitement? Are you ready for the challenges ahead? If the answer is a resounding yes, then go forth and conquer your chosen major.

According to Professor John Keating from “Dead Poets Society,” it is important to find your own voice. This is not just about expressing yourself, but it is also a way to escape the restrictions of society and create your own path. Standardised expectations cannot possibly fit the wide range of human individuality.

Instead of forcing people to fit into molds, Keating urges us to to celebrate their uniqueness and give them the freedom to pursue what they love and are good at. Offer them a stage, not a script, and witness their brilliance light up the world. It is in this liberated state that they can truly embrace the spirit of “carpe diem” – seizing the day and making the most of every unique beat of their own song.