So school has been getting to me...badly. I declared my major in psychology
a few months back...and needless to say my parents are upset. It all came out when I went to the dentist a two months ago...Dentist: So what are you studying in school?
ELNG: Well I am actually majoring in psychology
Mom of ELNG: WHAT?!?! *stares in shock*
ELNG: But I am still going to medical school
Mom of ELNG: She wants to become a medical doctor (still probably in shock)
Dentist: Well...that's good
So yeah...I got a lecture that night from my parents because they were upset with my choice of major. Granted I should have told them what my major was when I declared it, but I was in a rush, and really...it made sense since I had so many psychology courses. In order to major in psychology...or even (double) major in biology , I would have had to stay in school longer.
Last night again...my parents talked to me about how it was such a stupid decision to major in psychology. And that now I have to work extra hard to get into a medical school because if I don't get into medical school then I have nothing to fall back on...etc. Then had to hear the same thing from my mother as well the very next day.
What is it with this obsession that Nigerian families have to have a doctor in them? Should I become a doctor just because my mom feels that we "have to have at least one or two doctors in the family?" That by default makes me have to becomes a doctor. If I have worries, I want real answers. I want them to sit and talk to me and tell me legitimate reasons, like "you were always interested in helping people," or "remember the time when such and such happened, and how it made you want to etc?"
Something like that. Don't say that we need one or two doctors in the family...should that be reason enough for me to go?
Now before anyone says anything...I know they want the best for me...but shouldn't happiness fall in there somewhere as well?
Whatever...this video makes me feel better. Take care everyone!
7 comments:
I studied Law simply because my parents wanted me to be a lawyer but right from the day my Law School results were realeased and I passed, I knew I should have done something else. Now I'm trapped in the Legal profession. Ask me what I actually would have preferred to do and I would have said, theatre or dramatic Arts. Wish you all the best trying to convince your parents.
hahahahaha, oh my! Sorry, I am cracking up at that clip. That child reminds me of The King in so many ways.
About your post, ultimately, you will have to do what makes you happy. That could mean many things, but you have to apply yourself in seeking your happiness. Best of luck with whatever you choose.
All the best.
Nowadays even music majors get first spots in medical admissions. if psychology is what you are passionate about and medicine is what you are passionate about, there is no reason why you can't combine both. show your parents stats from major med schools about how half the incoming class did not major in biology. however if medicine is not ur thing u shld build up the courage to tell the folks. after undergrad you are committing the next 8 years of your life to learning medicine. being miserable for 8 years, then facing reality that you need to go back to read something else you should have read in the first place is not worth it.
re-evaluate why you want to go into medicine. all med school interviewers are going to ask you the same question - why medicine and you're going to be competing with others who have decided on medicine since they were old enough to talk.
like everyone said, good luck with your decision. also, feel free to email me. i can put you in contact with other nigerian americans who went into undergrad thinking medicine and then decided otherwise - to the chagrin of their parents. its not easy.
Thanks everyone for your replies. I know that ultimately it lies with me...I haven't spoken to my parents since Saturday. I just haven't gotten up the courage to talk to them, and I'm also afraid of what their response to me would be. Medical school is such a HUGE commitment you know...I just need to sort myself out to be honest.
@nneoma: I might have to take you up on that offer lol. Thanks :-)
Thanks for swinging by. I have updated.
I agree with you mehn. As in there are many other career vacancies that need to be filled!! I love psychology did it for my A levels. I study Law now though.
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