'I REALLY WANT TO FIND MY PASSION BUT I FEEL LIKE SCHOOL IS GETTING IN THE WAY OF THAT'

'I really want to find my passion but I feel like school is getting in the way of that'

My friend randomly said this one day and I was taken aback. I didn't know how to respond and to be honest I still don't. Her comment took me aback because I wanted to give her some sort of solution but I couldn't. I think we are all slightly scared about not knowing what we are passionate about. To an extent school heightens our anxiety because of the time constraints and pressures to over perform. We are kind of pushed to follow the formula of get good grades-go to a good university- do a good course- get a good job=happiness. Now, I have many issues with this formula, that’s for another post, but the fear of that 'good course' or 'good job' being so far removed from what we are passionate about is frightening. I feel that it's important to acknowledge this first. School is stressful and scary but it is also fun and beautiful and such a small part of the grand scheme of things. 

Although I don't have a clear cut solution to this problem, I will say that it’s important to pursue things that make you happy. Passion, in my opinion, is anything that makes you happy. For me it's writing. For you it may be sport, music, art, science, maths; whatever it may be- pursue it. Ask your school to help you. Join clubs, talk to teachers, talk to students and don't be afraid to change your mind. You might try out rugby and decide that physical contact with smelly people really isn't your cup of tea TRY SOMETHING ELSE. 

School in many ways has helped me to hone my skills and explore my passions and I've found that being open with peers and teachers can help you develop them even more. Once you find anyone that can help you on your ‘passion searching’ endeavour whether it be a teacher, a careers advisor or fellow students, latch on to them.

I'm so hell-bent on encouraging people to be more optimistic about school. School is your friend, if you want it to be, and at the end of the day you spend so long there so you might as well be happy.  I'm all for giving education 110% but remember that your happiness is of equal importance. So, instead of viewing school as a roadblock to finding or pursuing your passions, view it as a tool to help you on your journey.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE MY FRIEND-DO YOU FEEL LIKE SCHOOL IS STOPPING YOU FROM DISCOVERING YOUR PASSIONS? HAS SCHOOL HELPED YOU DEVELOP YOUR PASSIONS?

Let me know what you think and make sure you comment and share :)