Dear Auntie,
I hope you are doing well. I wanted to share something important with you. My family wants me to choose MBBS as a degree, but I don’t want to.

Since childhood, I have always dreamed of studying law. It is my passion and I truly believe that I can excel in it. However, my relatives are pressuring me to pursue an MBBS, even though I have no interest in it.

I don’t want to choose a career just to fulfil others’ expectations. I want to follow my dreams and build a future that I am passionate about. I would really appreciate your advice or support in this matter.
Not-a-Doctor

‘My Heart Says Law, But My Family Says Medicine’

Dear Not-a-Doctor,
It is important to honour your heart’s calling even when others’ expectations feel like a heavy weight. In your particular case, I’d like to say that your dreams are not a rebellion; they are who you’re meant to be.

In our culture, careers such as medicine are seen as stable and are socially respected. Your relatives’ insistence on MBBS likely comes from a place of love and concern for you. However, their vision for your life doesn’t have to override your own.

In our culture, careers such as medicine are seen as stable and are socially respected. Your relatives’ insistence on MBBS likely comes from a place of love and concern for you. However, their vision for your life doesn’t have to override your own.

A career isn’t just about prestige or practicality; it’s about waking up every day to do work that aligns with your values and your natural inclination. Medicine requires a lot of dedication and without genuine interest in it, the journey will feel emotionally draining. Law, on the other hand, sounds like a profession that fires you up. And because of your passion for it, it could lay the foundation of excellence in your career.

You say that you have been dreaming of law since childhood. Think about why this field calls to you. Is it the desire to advocate for justice? To use your voice for those who can’t speak? Getting clarity on this will help you explain your choice to your family. Do some research on law schools, discuss career opportunities or point out prominent people in the field to show them that this is a well-considered path for you.

Acknowledge their concerns, but let them also know (gently) that your commitment to law is unwavering. If your family continues to impose, you can propose a trial period in which you take introductory courses in both fields.

Sacrificing your career dreams to please others can lead to resentment. And if law truly is a genuine passion, it could open doors you’ve never imagined. That said, involve your family in your journey whenever you can. Their resistance might soften if they see your conviction and also the opportunities available.

Stay true to yourself and trust that having the courage to choose your path will inspire others in time.

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is in crisis and/or feeling suicidal, please go to your nearest emergency room and seek medical help immediately.

Auntie will not reply privately to any query. Please send concise queries to: auntieagni@gmail.com

Published in Dawn, EOS, March 16th, 2025