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What's wrong with being different

Why frown upon offbeat courses? wonders Pooja Parameswaran

When I decided to take up pharmacy as a career, people were shocked and disparagingly asked me if I planned to start a drugstore.

The sad thing was that these people were either teachers or parents who themselves had children on the threshold of college.

It is an established fact that most parents, in their anxiety to see their children well settled, push them into taking up the so-called safe, secure and time-tested careers such as engineering and medicine.

I have given up convincing people about the merits of the course I have opted for, but am happy with my decision.

And, I have to thank my parents for allowing me to do what I wanted to.

A person must enjoy what he/she does in order to be successful. Students who do not like their subject do not give their best and that's when quality suffers and learning becomes an ordeal.

It is imperative that parents and teachers keep an open mind to the various career options available.

Students, in turn, should be clear about their choice so that they do not regret it later.

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