To a considerable extent, the reason for a lot of clipped wings and boxed dreams is the parental pressure on children to adhere to certain professional paths and ways of life. However, it should be taken into account that, this “parental pressure” is not just a projection of aggressive concern but, mainly, a manifestation of what society deems appropriate and whether it is lucrative or not. That, itself, directly plays a significant role in what a lot of students choose to do with their lives – the fear of not being able to sustain themselves or the need to be regarded highly in social and familial environments is enough for a lot of students to permanently keep their “frivolous” dreams at bay.
As someone who is about to embark on an (hopefully) illustrious and (agonisingly) expensive college career, I am constantly aware of and at odds with my views, my parents’ views and society’s views about what I hope to study and do for the next four years of my life. While I have lucked out with parents who are increasingly understanding (and accepting) of my visions, I still find myself re-evaluating my choices because of how it would reflect on my family, for example, or on me, or even if it is worth all the money being put in.
However, I believe that that’s the case for a lot of students, too. So, does parental pressure contribute to preventing students from following their dreams? Yes. Is it the sole reason? Definitely not.
— The reader is a student based in Dubai
