Dear Career Advisor:

I see where you have helped other people and I hope you can help me too.

I completed high school this year and just recently got my Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) results. They were not near what I was expecting. I failed English and physics. I got six passes but all the grades were range three. All my teachers were expecting me to do better. My mother is devastated as she was all worked up about sending me off to college. She has hardly said a word to me since the results came out. I am not trying to excuse my poor performance but my parents had a break-up last year and I am still angry.

Right now I feel like a failure. I fear sitting at home with nothing to do. It seems I have to give up my dream of studying hospitality and eventually becoming a medical doctor. My world seems to have crumbled, I feel down most days, what can I do?

Yours truly,

Rihanna M.

Dear Rihanna:

You are not a failure! Your CSEC results might not have been as you expected, but do not let this setback define who you are; it’s just a hurdle to be conquered. Instead of focusing your attention on the not-so-good grades, shift those energies to what you have gained and on how you may strategise in advancing your career path with what is in your hand.

It might be a good idea to have a frank talk with your mother, expressing your own frustration and letting her know that you understand her disappointment. In doing so, speak positively of your intention to be resilient. Alternatively, you could ask a trusted family friend to speak with both of you to help bridge the gap of silence.

Let’s now focus our attention on the things that you can do to advance your career goals. Below are some specific steps you can consider taking during the next year and beyond.

i. Develop a plan for your career path.

ii. Seek personalised guidance from a career counsellor. I recommend those at the parish or regional office of the HEART Trust/NTA.

iii. Re-sit the exams you have failed in January or May-June 2017.

iv. Research the matriculation requirements for the programme(s) you would like to pursue.

v. Research your funding options for tertiary education. For example, if you plan to apply to the Student Loan Bureau, begin the process of seeking guarantors.

vi. Learn a skill. There are many options for internationally recognised and accredited technical/vocational courses. Find one that suits your interests.

vii. Volunteer. Consider volunteering with an agency for a few months on a part-time or full-time basis to gain industry experience. This could be done through the National Youth Service.

viii. Seek employment, whether part-time or full-time.

Whatever you do in the next few months, keep a positive outlook. Remember, with determination, challenges can be conquered.

Sincerely,

Career Advisor

Carolyn Marie Smith is assistant vice-president of student affairs at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester. Submit your questions to her at careeradvisor@ncu.edu.jm