YOUNG VOICE
The nurse who loves to write
Do you really want to be a nurse? The strict yet doting college instructor lowered her glasses as if wanting to get a clearer view of my seatmate. She asked the question again. Do you really want to be a nurse? Eight seconds, I counted the time it took until my now anxious seatmate furnished our instructor with a smiling yet trembling yes. The answer wasn't automatic, it wasn't straightforward; it seemed my seatmate had her doubts. She told me a while back, that she was dragged into taking up a course deviant to her interest. She dreamed of being a chef someday, mastering the arts of sauté, dressing chickens and upsidedown cakes. It was like the smell of burning caramel when her parents brought her out of the kitchen paradise, and compelled her to spend the rest of her days with the noble cap on top and a promising future of a greener pasture.
My seatmate is one of the millions who remain bitter about not being able to pursue a college degree they like. The path for them has already been paved and nothing else is left but to follow that road obediently.
I have to admit, when I'm forced unto doing something I don't like, either I would constantly ignore the nagging or purposely let it fall into a sad and chaotic mess while I enjoy being naïve. Aside from overreacting on a bean-sized pimple right on top of her nose, this is one of the many impulsively passive features of a confused youth. I see a lot of Nursing students who wanted to be culinary artists, a multitude of Engineering students who dreamed to be English majors, a crowd of Political Science students who yearned to be accountants. But because of poverty, of unmet dreams that haunt some dissatisfied parents, or if she's still not old enough to make the decision, these students remain in courses they're not fond of. Being dragged into a situation deviant to one's personal beliefs and interest is tormenting. Everyday becomes torture. A true blue classical music lover will be placed in a dormitory with gothic rockers who listen to nothing more than punk music at an amplified volume as roommates. Disturbing. How much more being pushed into a college degree diverse to what you really wanted to have as a career? Upsetting.
But at the end of the string, parents want nothing more than our benefit and maybe a little extra for them alongside if our paycheck has gotten a raise. A daughter spent four years to graduate as a teacher all because her mother didn't get to become one in her youth. Although it may appear that some parents are determined to realize their unfulfilled dreams in their children, it isn't as selfish at it appears. The mother knew she could have a better life and a much honored status in society if she pursued being a teacher; she wanted her daughter to enjoy these fruits yet to be ripened. She wanted more the good of her daughter, and less of gratifying those unrealized dreams. Whatever the case, a mother, a parent, someone who cares would always want the best for the person they love even if it would be difficult at first, but they know everything will pay off in the end.
I personally didn't have Nursing to be my first choice; it remained second on my list. I wanted to pursue a course in writing. My parents opted for Nursing, but didn't force me. We talked about it and in the end, I was the one who made the decision and stucked to the belief that I can always write any moment of the day even if I am already a nurse.
And it was my turn; the strict yet doting college instructor shifted towards me and asked me the same question. Do you really want to be a nurse?
One second later.
Yes, Ma'am.
(For comments and reactions please send an email to reylangarcia@gmail.com or SMS to 09186363090. View my blog at http://www.theyoungvoice.com)