DEAR HARRIETTE: As my graduation approaches, my mother has set her expectations for me to pursue a business course followed by a career in law. However, my true passion lies in filmmaking, a dream I have harbored for years. Despite excelling academically and being at the top of my class, I have always followed my mother's guidance. After numerous arguments with her, I am considering changing my degree without her knowledge to pursue my passion for film. The thought of deviating from her plans for me is daunting, but I yearn to follow my heart. I am conflicted about whether this decision is wise, or if it will strain our relationship. -- Filmmaker in the Making?
DEAR FILMMAKER IN THE MAKING?: One of the toughest challenges for young people is becoming independent of their parents. A parent’s job is to set you up to be able to take care of yourself and live a fulfilling life. Parents do that by supporting you in whatever ways they envision will help you, including sometimes nudging you toward one life goal or another. You probably already know that your mother’s intentions are good, even if they are myopic. She wants you to have a good, secure job where you will be able to take care of yourself. In her mind, law seems more secure than filmmaking. She’s not necessarily wrong.
That said, if your heart is set on filmmaking, you owe it to yourself to learn more about that field. Start making your own films as a hobby. Get into it and discover if you have a gift in that arena. Take some classes and learn the craft. If you absolutely have no interest in a law career, you can stop pursuing that once you have another way to support yourself. Go for your dream by planning it out. Figure out ways to earn a living that will support your filmmaking dream, knowing that it will take time for that field to support you. When that transition finally happens, ask your mother to trust that you must follow your own path.