Rose-Mary Haufiku 

Nothing screams confusion or tough like having to apply for a university course when one is still unsure of what they want to venture into. 

The very epitome of being stuck between a rock and a hard place and, many a time, having to choose a course that doesn’t fuel one’s passion, is usually a ‘midlife’ crisis, so to say. 

Sad truth is when the application form is sitting right in front of you, one really has no idea as to what they should fill the blank spaces staring into the depths of their souls with. At that moment, one’s head is racing with the fact that they wanted to be a medical practitioner when they were five, or a civil engineer, but their grades are screaming secondary school education. But at heart, they want to fly airplanes and open an aviation school when all is said and done. 

The ones with lady luck in their corners usually get recommendations from siblings and friends – who are enrolled in university or have already gone through the hell that is university – as to what course is best and usually guarantees a career at the end of the day. 

For some, the nightmare ceases not, as they
now have to choose between their parents’ choice and their passion, and more often than one would like to admit, they tend to neglect their passionate courses and go for their parents’ choice. 

For those who are fortunate enough, their choices are likely to get them into a sustaining source of income and excellent career. They will be able to meet their day-to-day essentials, and allow them to cover and accommodate their bills. 

When all hopes seem to have run out for those who are unable to find employment, it is a good thing they are passionate about a particular aspect in this life, which can be a great way to make ends meet. Regardless of the fact that passion may not always be one’s source of survival in a cruel and harsh world, it is a sure guarantee that it ought to make one feel alive and make them happy. 

After all, there’s always room for a silver lining. 

Junias David (24) is very passionate about writing, and deeply regrets his career choice. He obtained a degree in logistics and supply chain management and business management honours from the Namibia University of Science and Technology. 

David’s passion for writing started in high school, but he still chose to study logistics and supply chain management. He thought if he chose to study what he was passionate about, he would eventually get bored. 

“In my first year, I wanted to explore deeper about my passion for writing, but sometimes my studies kept interfering,” he told Youth Corner. 

David struggled to keep up with his studies since he was preoccupied with his writing. 

“Even after I obtained my qualifications, my passion for writing still stands out. I am convinced that I need to do a course that will fulfil my passion. I will put logistics aside, because it’s not even getting me a job,” David said. 

He credits his writing ability for getting him money through assisting students with their essays and research. Last year, David published three articles in the New Era newspaper and others in The Namibian newspaper. 

All in all, choosing a university or college course that does not fuel the fire in oneself is not always a guarantee to a successful life when one has obtained their qualifications. Regardless of all the commotion and controversies, a person should really choose or go for what tickles their fancy, whether it fuels their passion or not. - rosemaryhaufiku5@gmail.com