Choosing a Career is Just That, A Choice

In response to Art’s recent post, To Choose or Have Others Choose for You, a Reed College student who’s finishing her first year, shared the following in a recent text conversation. Since many other students are likely in a similar predicament, I’m passing her message forward: 

I’m so glad other students have the opportunity to read this article. I definitely relate to this like when my parents made me take computer science when I genuinely disliked the course, possibly from not [being] able to choose what I wanted from the beginning. 

Being away from my parents has given me independence to pursue what I want not having to take their opinion or worry about that from other families. I know in some ways they are right as many mentors have told me to take more computer science classes and things but I was talking to an incoming junior at Reed who told me that I should spend my summer working on things I truly enjoy and being able to hear that from a fellow physics major who is similar in age really fermented the idea that I have a choice.


For over twenty years, Creative Marbles experts have moderated family conversations regarding complex educational decisions, lending our expertise to reduce the risk of malinvestment. For more information, contact us.

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About Jill Yoshikawa, Ed M, Partner of Creative Marbles Consultancy

Jill Yoshikawa, EdM, Harvard ’99, a seasoned, 25 year educator and consultant, is meticulous in helping clients navigate all aspects of the educational experience, no matter the level of complexity. She combines educational theory with experience to advise families, schools and educators. A UCSD and Harvard graduate, as well as a former high school teacher, Jill works tirelessly to help her clients succeed.
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