Q:  Hi Nina, I am just finishing high school and have been very fortunate to get into the university of my choice.  I’ve always known what career I wanted pursue and which university I wanted to go to, but now that the time is quickly approaching I’m not sure anymore and I am questioning my decision.  What if I don’t like my chosen path? What if I don’t like the university? None of my friends will be going there and I’ll be all alone.  I’m so confused right now. Maybe I should take a year off, but that would really upset my parents.  Please help me sort this out!

A: What you are dealing is very common and natural.  This is a big milestone in your life!  You are now becoming a young adult about to embark on the journey of a lifetime and maybe you are experiencing a slight case of cold feet.  The great thing about the beginning of university is that your first year is the year you get to fully discover what direction you want to take, even in specialized programs you will be quite clear by the end of first year if it’s what you want.  Trust me I know from experience!

As for taking a year off, be clear on why you want the year off.  If it’s just a tactic to avoid the unknown and uncertainty of first year, then I would really think about it.  But if the year is for you to really get a better understanding of who you are and where your passions and purpose lie, then those 365 days will be very valuable for the rest of your life.

Now broaching the subject with your parents is another matter.  It can be complicated depending on the relationship you have with your parents.  I myself took a year off, simply because I was so confused after my first year, and I hadn’t done as well as I hoped, I really needed to get clear on what I wanted.  I was surprised when my parents were supportive, however they did have a couple of stipulations, I had to keep working, take one course in night school and then go back fulltime after a year.  For me, this is exactly what I needed to determine that I wanted a university degree and wanted to pursue Psychology instead of Business Administration.  The year off was really helpful, however that’s not the case for everyone. Keep in mind that I took my year off after my first year in university.   Just be clear on want you want and why, (the why is very important!) then decide from there!

It’s my honour to serve you! God bless!

 

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Email me at nina@theapostropheproject.com

 

Nina Ganguli is a Change Agent, Certified Professional Life Coach and Author of the book: Confessions of a Can’t-aholic: How to go from “I Can’t” to “I Can!”

For more about Nina Ganguli check out her website: www.theapostropheproject.com

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