Parental help key to career choice

JAKARTA (JP): The crucial moment for third-grade high school students is fast approaching. They will sit their final exams early next month. If all goes well, they will pass and graduate. But this is not the end of the story. By succeeding at school they will face another challenge. Those who want to continue studying will have to work hard to secure a place at college. Like the students, parents will also be busy thinking about the best place for their children.

A variety of people commented on the issue for The Jakarta Post.

Atiek Wardiman, wife of the minister of education and culture: Under the guidance of their parents and relatives, children should be able to discover their interests as early as junior high school.

Parents and relatives, such as uncles and aunts, should inform, give directions and motivate children to develop their talents and interests. We should facilitate their decision- making.

By doing so, the dilemma of choosing where to go to college and what to study will not be as serious as it otherwise might have been. The other important thing to consider is the economic background of the parents.

Yati Meliala Cooper, a jewelry designer: My husband and I don't want to insist on our children being someone we want them to be. We just give them the freedom to choose their own schools and decide their own futures.

We also don't want to tell them not to be this or not to be that. As parents, we just try to provide their needs in accordance with their interests.

Whatever they will be, their futures are in their own hands. Keep in mind that children always change their interests in accordance with trends and their surroundings. So, let them grow up and decide their own way.

Tutik Indarti S., a first lieutenant policewoman: There's no reason to let our children determine their next schools by themselves. Parents should also play an important role in helping children decide their studies, and their future direction. At the very least, parents must provide as much valuable information as they can so that their children will have as wide a knowledge as possible before making a final decision.

Mahisa Respati, a final grade student at SMU 70 senior high school majoring in social science: Because I have a social science background, I'll major in economics or international relationships. Most students from my major will do the same. I would like to be a businessman.

If I pass the entrance exam for state universities I'd like to go to the University of Indonesia because it is in Jakarta, or Airlangga University in Surabaya if my parents agree. If I fail, I'd like to study at a private university with an accredited school of economics.

My parents let me determine my school and major by myself. Of course they are ready to give financial support. I'm ready for the final examination, but a little bit confused about my future study.

I think my parents will be able to give me the necessary financial support if I go to a private university.

Right now I am taking some courses in preparation for the university entrance exam. I think these preuniversity courses are really helpful.

Yus, 17, a student at SMU As'syafi'iyah high school: What am I going to do after graduating ? Get into a university, of course. What else.

I am a bit mixed-up over choosing the right university as there are lots which offer various subjects.

Finance is not the problem. My father always says that as long as I remain disciplined in praying, then I can get into any university I want.

My father might sell part of the family's lands to finance my university study.

Nona, 17, a student at SMU 82 high school: I want to study communications after I graduate. Once I really wanted to be either a politician or a psychologist, but I changed my mind. Both majors take longer to complete than I am prepared to spend studying. And I don't want to bother my family with financial problems just because of my dreams.

My father was really angry when I told him the reason behind my decision to choose communications. He said that it was not my business to worry about the money.

I hope I will be accepted at the University of Indonesia. Studying at a state university is cheaper. Besides, it is more prestigious to be a UI graduate. (team)