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How will I make it?

I am an upcoming senior, I’m stressed about what I want to become and where I’m going to end up. I know I want to help children and do something in the healthcare, I’ve always wanted to work with children and babies. I’m just not confident enough to pick what to do and if I’m smart enough for it.

nursing healthcare careeradvice pediatrics careerexploration careerdevelopment collegeplanning highschoolsenior speech-pathology personalgrowth healthcarecareers careersupport
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Wong’s Answer

Hello! The fact that you already know you want to help children and work in healthcare is a great starting point. Many students your age are still unsure of what they want to do, so you already have a direction.

Do not let self-doubt stop you from exploring your goals. You do not need to be the smartest person in your class to succeed in healthcare. What matters most is your willingness to learn, work hard, and care for others. Those qualities are just as important as good grades.

There are many careers where you can work with children and babies, such as pediatric nursing, pediatric medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, child life specialist, etc. Take time to learn about each one and see which matches your interests. All the best.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, this makes me confident to pursue in healthcare and work hard!! Hser
Thank you comment icon You are most welcome Wong Loke Yuen
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Conor’s Answer

I can't offer any insight into the healthcare industry but what I can say is that the stress you're feeling with regards to "what's next" is something a lot of people experience (sometimes multiple times throughout their careers and lives).

There are some awesome frameworks you can explore that are designed to help you make decisions and figure out what you want to do (Odyssey Planning, Ikigai framework and weighted decision matrixes are all examples of these).

Finally - try not to worry about not being smart enough! Passion and Interest in the subject is significantly more important; you won't be "smart" on day 1 but next thing you know you're the one helping somebody who's in your shoes today!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, I will keep going and where life takes me I will remember this! Hser
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Godfrey’s Answer

That's great if want to be in health care and love working with children,a better option will be maybe you think of a nursing career with specialization in child health and paediatric nursing,it would be marvellous for you .
Ideally LPN with child health and paediatric specialization will ensure work closely to children for sure.wish you all the best
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Hser
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Biviana’s Answer

It's funny you say you aren't sure if you are smart enough for something— that's exactly how I used to feel, actually. A whole master's degree + a multitude of professional certificates, and 16 years in the field later, I'm still not sure I am smart enough. So ignore that feeling and give it a try.

I would say don't compromise to any expensive program, start at the community college, and go from there!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Biviana. Hser
Thank you comment icon I will remember this when I go into college!! Hser
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Mike’s Answer

Hello! Believe in yourself. There are so many fields combining healthcare and children. If you don't know where to begin, look for entry-level jobs where you can get your foot in the door. Daycare, medical clinic, etc. Or even search for volunteer opportunities in an area hospital, clinic, or with a children's organization so you can get a good idea of the environment. Volunteering is also a great way to make connections, and being the first to find out when there is a job opening. My best advice is to recognize what you like and what skills you are really good at, and try to figure out how they might benefit the position you're interested in. You'll find you'll be able to apply your skills to nearly any profession. All the best!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Hser
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Jade’s Answer

You're not alone in feeling uncertain. Many seniors interested in working with kids or entering healthcare experience the same fears. Feeling unsure shows you care about making the right choice, not that you won't succeed.

Here are three things you know about yourself:

1. You want to help children.
2. You want to be in healthcare.
3. You worry you're not "smart enough."

The last worry is the only thing holding you back, and it's not true. People who doubt themselves often become thoughtful and compassionate professionals because they work with care, not ego.

You don't need to have your future all planned out to end up where you belong. You can explore careers that align with your interests in children and healthcare, one step at a time:

- Child development: Flexible, meaningful, and great for those who love young kids.
- Pediatric medical assistant: Hands-on with kids, stable, and doesn't require a long degree.
- Early childhood education: Perfect for nurturing and supporting little ones.
- Child life specialist: Focuses on helping children cope with hospital experiences.
- Pediatric occupational therapy assistant: Creative, kid-focused, and doesn't need a full OT degree.
- Speech pathology assistant: Good pay, kid-centered, and a shorter path than becoming an SLP.

These careers are achievable for someone who cares deeply and learns steadily, not someone who has everything figured out at 17.

Being "smart enough" isn't about perfection in healthcare. It's about being consistent, compassionate, and willing to learn. You don't need to be the smartest; you need to show up, try, and keep going.

Confidence builds with each step you take.

You have the most important qualities:

- You care about children.
- You want to help.
- You're thinking about your future.
- You're willing to ask for guidance.

People with these traits grow and succeed. You don't need to choose your forever career today, just your next step. I can help you figure that out, whether it's in child life, pediatric healthcare, or early childhood paths.

You're going to be okay. You're going to succeed. And you'll help many kids along the way.
Thank you comment icon Omg thank you so much I’m so glad u wrote this. This means more than you Know and I’ll remember each of yalls comment. Thank you So much! Hser
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Yoav’s Answer

It's completely natural to feel overwhelmed and a bit scared right now as you head into your senior year, but please take a deep breath and realize how incredible it is that you already know your heart is in helping children and working in healthcare. It takes a truly special, compassionate person to want to dedicate their life to caring for kids, and that empathy is actually the most important quality you can bring to medicine. You don't need to have the exact job title figured out today, and you absolutely do not need to doubt your intelligence, because fields like pediatric nursing, neonatal care, child life specialty, or pediatric occupational therapy all have different academic paths and are deeply rewarding. You're plenty smart enough to learn whatever you need to learn step by step, and you have a whole senior year and college journey ahead of you to explore these options and build your confidence. Trust yourself and remember that the world really needs people with your kind of heart. I know you're going to make a beautiful difference in the lives of so many children, so keep your chin up and I wish you the absolute best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, this means a lot to me that you wrote this message and everyone here who responded. I will take your advice and keep going with my dream and keep going no matter what, thank you. Hser
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for yoyr question. I am glad to know you like to work in health care and love children.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Would usually like to become pediatrician, pediatric nurse, child psychologist, children occupational therapist, speech therapist, etc. You xan find out more online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from ultra mentor, school career counselor, uiur parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, God bless you too and this helps me want to explore more and see what I like and don’t like!! Hser
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