This is why I believe that children have to be exposed to the idea that they are going to have to do loads of things they don't like and that they don't want to do in this life, in order to get to do some of the things that they really like.

I currently have a student who wants to become a medical doctor, but, he does not want to learn basic Bio Chemistry. There is another student who wants to be an engineer, but she doesn't want to take some of the courses the Faculty of Engineering requires. And this list goes on and on. A nurse who hates pharmacology. A student in business who hates all things English. A grade 12 student says "But I don't like Social, its boring." "I hate math and my teacher stinks!" If I had a dollar for every time I heard that one, I'd be on a beach!

I see and deal with this "I only have to do the things I want to do and I can ignore the rest" attitude on a daily basis. Students running the show. Students making decision about what they will and won't do, based on whether or not they like or approve of the idea.

I have even created a label for these students: 'Interest driven'. Meaning, that they will only put effort into things that interest them.

How ill prepared these students are for the rigors of real life. They struggle with the reality of having standards placed on them. They are so focused on the 'end' that the process is simply in the way.

Now before I come across as too harsh, let me assure you that I am clearly and firmly on the student's side. I want them to succeed and I want them to do, be, have anything that they want BUT I do not dance around the issue that they are going to have to do some things they don't want to do - and do them well - in order to get there. This often comes as an unpleasant surprise to them. This idea of conformity to external standards is confusing when their entire lives they have been told that they are supposed to be special or unique. "If I am so darn special, why do I have to do these things that I don't like?" And this tiny warning bell goes off in our brains- 'How did we get here?" "How did I lose control of my child?" "I think my kid is calling the shots." And the fight is ON!