I believe Vey Mingg is a young adult and I appreciate her views on life. But then, how we live our life, to me, is always in context. We can seek our own path, but it is not completely free.

How one lives his/her life does affect others. All of us have mutual expectations and yearnings. If children think parents shouldn’t expect anything, then they, in turn, shouldn’t expect anything from their parents.

Please don’t moan and groan. Today’s youths are spoiled for choices. They could pursue one course after another. They could fail one and take up another.

During their parents’ time, they were given only one chance to attend a university and only one chance to pass it. Please don’t tell me the times have changed. It has definitely changed for the better.

Parents shouldn't force their children

I agree parents shouldn’t force their children to take up certain courses. That is not right. But it is not wrong for them to counsel and guide. Do young people really know everything they need to know?

Based on my observations and experience, young people make choices based on many factors.

Some are lazy or “demotivated” and so they just want an easier course or an easier way out.

Some think the more “traditional courses” are difficult, so they just avoid them.

Some think they have the aptitude to do certain courses but it is only their inkling or imagination. For example, if they love criminology as a career choice, they must possess some basis to build on it. I hope it is not based on one movie they watched.

Some just love to follow their “hip” friends, even though they have no idea of what they are doing.

Schools and universities emphasising on grades have long been debated. At the end of the day, grades are still the best means to assess academic prowess. We must not lose sight that universities offer academic degrees, not talent, football, versatility or street smart degrees.

Academic pursuit should not adversely affect our interests, talents, versatility or ability. In fact, it will only reinforce them. A genuinely capable person has no problem pursuing both.

It is true many have done well in life by seeking their own path. But this does not mean that they did not go to universities or did not study something they disliked before. Many successful entrepreneurs are engineers, not those who studied business administration or entrepreneurship.

No one punishes us when we obtain only an average grade, regardless of the courses we pursue. Our innate ability and talent can never be caged. On the contrary, it will thrive and bloom, given time and determination.

I believe most parents want the best for their children. But this is not enough. Children, too, must truly know about themselves. If major decisions can be properly justified or rationalised, I am sure most parents will be supportive.