Dreams and Hopes

Textbooks have been closed, last tests taken, and new journeys have begun. For some, those journeys are a new path in life.

Over the years, parents have done their best to raise their children to be responsible adults, holding themselves accountable for their actions and words, and helping others. They’ve also taught their children about managing their time and money.

Parents have taken time to tell their children about their hopes and dreams for them. However, the hopes they have for their children may not be the same as what the children have for themselves.

The high school I attended offered three fields of study beginning with the sophomore year. They were general, college preparatory, and commercial. The commercial course included bookkeeping, shorthand, typing, ten-key and more. Regardless of which field of study you chose you could add on other subjects such as art, home ec, shop, etc.

As I looked over the lists, I asked my Dad what he thought I should sign up for. He said, “Girl, it’s your life you are preparing for. The decision has to be yours, not mine. I can’t choose what path is best for you.”

I ended up choosing the commercial course, which has served me well over the years.

Parents want what is best for their children. yet when it comes to choosing a career, children must choose for themselves. It may be they will choose the career their parents hope they will, but they may not.

As parents we can only hope we’ve guided our children well. What they choose to do with their lives is their choice. We can always be waiting in the wings to support and help them, but they must be free to follow their own dreams and hopes.