Think back to when you were younger as to the professions you were encouraged to choose from. About 70% of the people I came across would encourage me to be a lawyer, while the remaining 30% encouraged me to be a teacher like my father. My mother taught me to read very well before I started basic school. My birthday gifts were books every year. I loved reading and I fell in love with poetry from a very young age. I fell in love with the news and reporters in particular, and I knew the profession I was meant for was that of a journalist. This was frowned upon by many as I was told that journalism will not bring me enough money to live a lavish lifestyle. I've never told anyone that I was in search of a lavish lifestyle. Despite the discouraging feedback, I went to University and did journalism just the same. No, I'm not working as a journalist to date but I still have that dream. Throughout my time working on getting my qualifications in the media field, I ventured into my true...

Growing up many of us were encouraged to either become a doctor or a lawyer. These professions were always placed high on a pedestal and we were told that these are the jobs we should aim for. Firstly, I always wondered why the people who encouraged me to choose one of these paths were not working in any of these capacities. I grew up as a child filled with questions and I would question my parents about everything. From a very young age I loved writing and I knew that I wanted to spend my life doing this. My parents on the other hand never encouraged that dream of mind as I was always encouraged to become a lawyer or a doctor.  When I listen to children on our primary and preparatory quiz competitions the most popular professions are lawyer and doctor. We neèd to encourage our children to look at other paths. Many of us will not be able to become a lawyer or doctor either because of finances or because we don't have the intelligence for it. Parents need to realize that everybody i...