When students are facing challenges…

Lefteris Heretakis
4 min readOct 1, 2024

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Image by: Colin Watts

“This above all: to thine ownself be true,And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 3

In higher education, students are at a critical stage where they are forming their identities and shaping their futures. Many come into university or college with a clear sense of what they want, while others may be influenced or even pressured by family, cultural expectations, or societal norms. This pressure can be a significant source of frustration, especially if they find themselves in a course or degree program that doesn’t align with their passions or interests.

Encouraging students to express what’s bothering them is essential for helping them navigate these frustrations. Oftentimes, the root of their dissatisfaction is more than just academic challenges — it can be deeply personal. Many students might feel trapped in a path that they didn’t choose or don’t resonate with. When students are encouraged to reflect on their feelings and articulate the source of their frustration, they gain clarity on whether their struggles stem from external pressures or internal misalignment.

Family and societal pressure as a source of frustration.

For many students, family plays a significant role in educational choices. Some families have strong opinions about what degrees or careers are “worthwhile,” valuing certain fields like medicine, law, or engineering over creative or unconventional paths. This creates a disconnect between the student’s authentic interests and the expectations placed on them. Similarly, societal expectations around financial stability or prestige can force students into fields they don’t truly connect with, leading to feelings of frustration, confusion, and even resentment.

When students realise they are pursuing someone else’s dream instead of their own, it can cause a sense of failure, not because they lack the ability, but because they lack the intrinsic motivation that comes from genuine passion. The frustration builds up as they invest time and effort in something that doesn’t feel meaningful, and this can lead to burnout, disengagement, or even dropping out.

Empowering students to find their own path.

As educators in higher education, it’s crucial to recognise that we are dealing with adults who are in the process of defining their life goals. Encouraging students to take ownership of their educational journey is a vital step toward alleviating their frustration. Here’s how we can do that:

We can encourage students to question their motivations. Are they pursuing a degree because they want to, or because they feel obligated? Offering opportunities for reflection, through conversations, career counselling, or exercises, helps students get in touch with what they really want from their education.

Let students know that it’s okay to question their path and that they’re not alone in feeling conflicted. Many students experience doubt about their chosen course, especially if it doesn’t feel personally fulfilling. By normalising these feelings, we make it easier for them to explore alternatives.

University should be a time for exploration and self-discovery. Encourage students to explore different courses, attend workshops, or participate in internships that expose them to a variety of fields. By doing so, they can begin to identify what they are truly passionate about and what feels meaningful to them.

If family pressure is a significant source of frustration, students might need support in having honest conversations with their families. Educators and counsellors can help students navigate these difficult discussions by giving them the tools to explain their choices and demonstrate the value of pursuing their own path. This might include showing families the potential for success in less traditional careers or emphasizing the importance of personal fulfilment.

Ultimately, students need to be reminded that they have the autonomy to make decisions about their lives. By shifting the focus from pleasing others to making choices that align with their own values and interests, they reclaim control over their future. This empowerment is critical in reducing frustration and fostering a sense of ownership over their education.

The Importance of Being True to Oneself

A key message for students in this situation is that living someone else’s life can never lead to true satisfaction. While family and societal expectations may come from a place of love and concern, only the individual can determine what will bring them joy and fulfilment. Pursuing a degree or career path that doesn’t resonate with one’s true self is likely to lead to ongoing dissatisfaction, even if it meets external expectations.

Encouraging students to be true to themselves is about helping them understand that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Success might mean following a passion for art, social justice, entrepreneurship, or something completely different from traditional notions of success. It’s important to reassure students that it’s not just acceptable but necessary to follow a unique path that feels right for them, even if it means disappointing others in the short term.

Frustration often stems from the misalignment between a student’s true self and the path they are on. By encouraging students to reflect on their frustrations, to understand where they are coming from, and to explore alternative paths, we can help them reconnect with their sense of purpose and passion. In higher education, we have a responsibility to support students in finding their own way, empowering them to lead lives that are authentic and fulfilling, rather than living out someone else’s expectations. This approach not only helps students feel more in control of their education, but also supports their personal development as autonomous, self-aware adults who are better equipped to make informed, meaningful decisions for their future.

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Lefteris Heretakis
Lefteris Heretakis

Written by Lefteris Heretakis

Designer, lecturer and podcaster. #Education #Drawing #Design #DesignEducation https://linktr.ee/thenewartschool

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