So, Why did you choose this field ?

A few days ago, I met a guy pursuing MBA from the same Uni I had got mine from. There was something about him that told me that he was not happy with his choice of field. On being asked, he told me that he was basically from a science stream, but had opted for an MBA because his field, Bio Technology, did not have much scope in India. He was finding MBA very boring and meaningless. "I have completed one semester here, but have learnt nothing. This just does not suit me!" he lamented. "Why did you not try for MSc Bio Tech?" I enquired. It turned out that he had appeared for the entrance test for both the courses - MSc and MBA( because of parental pressure). And since he could not clear the MSc test, he joined MBA (Which he cleared "inspite of not wanting to", as he put it). His parents were happy, though. He explained to me that since his father was a businessman, his family was glad that he had been selected for this course.
This, definitely was not the first time I heard someone state parental pressure as the reason behind choosing their professional field. Countless students are pressurized by their parents-either through subtle long term brainwashing, or downright aggressive blackmailing- to choose a field of their choice. Many a times people have told me that they absolutely hated their job. A girl I know, who is unhappy with her teaching job, said that she never wanted to go for B.Ed, but went for it anyway because this was what her parents wanted her to do. A former classmate of mine admitted that her father wanted her to do MBA just because many of her cousins had done so.
And me ?? The only reason I joined MBA, was because I loved the University campus :-) !! Half way through the course, I realized that I just was not meant for the corporate world and decided to change my field. Life granted me another chance, and with GOD's grace I am back to the university for my second master's degree...

A spiritual link

"The University" was what it was called. At that time, many years ago, I did not even know the meaning of this word. All I knew was that it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen in the 11 years of my life. Rows and rows of huge flowering trees would line the broad pathway leading from the main gate to a huge building which was the library. The air, heavy with the fragrance of Golden Shower blossoms would almost intoxicate me. A calm would descend upon me the moment I entered the campus. The place was so peaceful, so serene. Mother would often tell me that if I studied well, then I could get admission here. Too young to actually think about the future, I would simply nod. I used to cycle to my school through the campus even though it meant cycling an extra kilometer. Years later, destiny led me to this very place I had so admired as a child. During my final year in school, a teacher told me about an integrated 5 year MBA program offered by the university. At 18, I was not really sure of what profession I wanted to be in, but I was sure of one thing- I had to get into this university. I applied, gave the entrance test and waited for the results. My test had not gone very well, yet I was hoping that I would make it. I did ( Thanks to GOD) !! And thus started the most beautiful period of my life, beginning from the day I first set foot into my classroom, and continuing till now :-) !!