This is the time when high school students are waiting for the results of their school leaving exams. They have finished one stage of their life and   would be beginning university in the current year   and pass on gradually to become a professional in some field.

A few students have a predefined goal and have been working in that direction. They have a specific ambition to fulfil. For example, these youngsters would like to become a lawyer or doctor or engineer, e.t.c. but many   teenagers are still confused and yet undecided as to what they want to do later in life. Few students while away time doing small courses, before finally deciding on one goal.

But in this way they while away precious times of their lives. By the time they achieve what they have decided, they find the students with pre-decided minds to be ahead of them in life. It is not only the monetary aspect, but a name, position; everything that comes only after one has obtained a certain goal or reached a certain point in life.

It is to avoid such a situation that, students are advised to have an ambition by the time they reach high school.  Ambition is a strong desire to achieve something, whether name, fame or money.  It is a strong desire to obtain success.  The desire should be strong enough to make an individual put in all efforts to fulfil it. 

In majority of the cases, parents and other well meaning elders try to guide the teenagers as to what studies they should pursue in university, which university would be best for that specific course and how it shall help him or her later in life.

Even schools organize career counselling meetings for the students. Most of the schools also have a full time counsellor to guide the students for their future studies and course of life.

But the basic thing needed is for the student is to have some ambition. Many bright teenagers fail to succeed in life as per their potential. On the other hand, some average individuals excel because they are ambitious enough when young and   strive hard to fulfil the burning desire to succeed.

Children   should be made to realize the importance of having an ambition while growing up. They should be made to recognize the fact that life is just not sleeping, eating and making merry but has a far reaching goal to reach. Having an aim or dream in life is necessary, but more important is to have that as an ambition, i.e. intense desire to achieve it`

Again the temperament of children is variable.  There would be some who would comply with the suggestion of their parents without discussion. But some rebellious youngsters   wish, "to lead their own lives”   with absolutely no parental interference. Even if it is only a suggestion from the parents, they refuse to consider it. But in this process they forget that their parents have more experience of the world than them. Moreover they have the best interests of their child in mind, hence would suggest accordingly.

Now in whatever way they decide, every school leaving student should have a clear idea as to what he wants to do in life. If he himself is confused, suggestions of elders around should be considered.  It is not wise to remain confused for long and waste valuable time.

Once somebody develops an ambition to do something in life, he or she should focus all efforts in achieving it. But while attempting to do so, one should be realistic also. If the desired results are obtained it is fine. If no, one should not feel depressed.  When   a youngster has worked hard   and in the right direction, even if he does not reach the top, he will still remain above average in life.

All high school students should realize the importance of having an ambition in life, to make their lives better.  It is only when a youngster has an ambition; he will try to fulfil that desire. This will surely make him a successful professional.

Dr. Rachna Pande                                           
rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk