Denice

Today was a special day for my family because we attended the Gymboree Olympics held at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza. This marks Gymboree’s 6^th year in the Philippines.

On the way there, Kyle seemed puzzled that we told him we’re going to attend Gymboree Olympics but our car did not pass through the normal route but rather through Ortigas. We arrived in green which represented Serendra team.

Kyle finally believed he’s in Gymboree indeed when he saw his teachers and classmates.

If Kyle was excited, I was doubly ecstatic and a bit nervous because Kyle was a contestant for the beach ball throwing (game appropriate for Level 7 students). He was one of the five Serendra students tapped for this game. I felt that I was the one competing — his victory and otherwise are also mine. So this was how it felt, I finally said to myself.

In the end, it was his best friend Yvan who won while Kyle still won a medal and consolation prize. We were still very happy because for us, what’s important is that Kyle did his best and that he enjoyed this day.

“Life is like a box of chocolates. You’ll never know what you’re gonna get.” This is the famous line by the character Forrest Gump. I cannot help but think about this thought as I looked back at how things were during my time in high school.

Come to think of it. No one ever thought about adding a subject “Preparing for College: Possible Courses to Consider” where particular focus would be to give students a comprehensive basis for selecting the course they deem appropriate for their interest, skills and abilities.

During my time, a high school student would be lucky if he she had older friends and relatives who would share idea of their courses and careers. Otherwise, one would be left guessing or going by what’s popular unless he or she would be very sure of what he or she wants to become someday. I have yet to meet one though in real life.

Of course, our skills and abilities are useful gauge. But I think that it would really help high school students make wise decisions about their choice of course in college if the school would provide them options and ample information. Maybe something as simple as inviting a nurse, pilot, flight steward, doctor, policeman, engineer, architect, journalist, actor, etc. to talk about what it’s like to have a job like what they have. What are the pros and cons. What course, skills and abilities are required, among others. This way, shifting is avoided (thereby wasting no money on an unwanted course) and more students would be happy with their chosen field.

Had something like this in college but I personally feel it’s too late. Informing a student as early as in high school is better.