Father Envisioned a Specific Future for His Daughter, But When She Voiced Her True Calling, Everything Changed.
In a world where technology reigns supreme, the Original Poster (OP) dreams of their daughter inheriting their legacy in the tech realm. However, as she discovers her own passions, a rift between parental expectations and personal aspirations emerges. Their heated conversation becomes a poignant turning point, challenging both to redefine success and support.
A Promising Prodigy
OP’s daughter, at 17, shows immense potential and brilliance. She is poised to become an outstanding data scientist, a career her parent, a computer scientist, admires. OP believes technology is the future, especially in their expensive homeland.
A Shift in Dreams
Though initially interested in tech from an early age, the daughter’s passion begins to wane. She enrolls in tech courses during her freshman and sophomore years but decides against them for her junior and senior years. This divergence from the tech path concerns OP.
A New Passion
The daughter reveals a newfound ambition to become a psychologist. OP worries, questioning her social skills, especially given her autism. OP wonders how she could handle complex psychological issues when she struggles with her own brothers.
The Allure of Business
Adding to the mix, the daughter also expresses an interest in majoring in business. OP is skeptical, considering her previous disinterest in a sophomore-level business course. How could she handle immature businesspeople?
An Intense College Discussion
The tension peaks when they sit down to discuss potential college programs. While the daughter leans toward commerce programs, OP tries to nudge her toward computer science. The atmosphere thickens with unsaid words and emotions.
Plea for Support
The daughter asks OP if he would support her regardless of her choice. His lighthearted reply misses the mark, causing even more strain. The daughter senses a lack of genuine support, especially for non-tech paths.
Tensions Erupt
Feeling cornered and misunderstood, the daughter finally confronts her father. She resents being forced into a field she despises when there is a better plan that she can pursue. She reminds her father it’s her future on the line, not his.
The Role Reversal
The daughter poses a hypothetical: What if OP had been forced into law by their father despite a lack of interest? This hits home for OP, revealing the crux of their disagreement. The roles are reversed, and OP is left to ponder.
A Moment of Realization
In the wake of their heated conversation, OP reflects deeply. The intentions were always good – to ensure a bright, struggle-free future for the daughter. Yet, the realization dawns that perhaps the approach was flawed.
The Unseen Struggle
However, what OP hadn’t realized was the immense pressure the daughter felt from society. Friends and teachers often made offhand remarks about “wasting potential” or “making the right choice.” This amplified the daughter’s dilemma and intensified her desire to prove herself.
The Unexpected Mentor
One day, the daughter encounters a professor from a local university – a renowned psychologist with a background in tech. Intrigued by her dual interests, he offers to guide her, seeing a unique perspective in her.
Bridging Two Worlds
With her mentor’s guidance, the daughter explores a niche at the intersection of psychology and tech. She starts to see how understanding human behavior can enhance technological advancements. The potential of this union becomes clearer.
A Change in OP
OP’s perspective begins to shift after observing his daughter’s newfound passion and direction. The realization that one can find success outside the tech realm grows stronger. Regret over past pressures mixes with pride in her determination.
Reconciliation
OP initiates a heartfelt conversation with the daughter. Apologies are exchanged, and both express their fears and dreams. The rift begins to heal, replaced by mutual respect and understanding.
Was The Father’s Behavior Appropriate?
OP wonders if his good intentions clouded his objective judgment. He posts his story online for public scrutiny. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.
Forum Responds
One reader said, “Awww, sorry your kid doesn’t want to be EXACTLY LIKE YOU. She’s her own person, so let her be.”
Another Commenter Thinks
Another responder wrote, “Stop it. Just stop. You have already ruined any chance your daughter will choose the career you pushed. You are close to ruining every chance of a relationship with your daughter.”
A Third View on The Story
A different person stated, “Psychology is a data-based discipline, and so someone with data skills would excel and could move into academia. Imagine how much an autistic person would benefit from being cared for by your daughter.”
A Final Perspective on the Matter
Another reader commented, “Let your daughter be who she wants to be, not what you want her to be – that just sets her up for failure and unhappiness.”
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on their actions?
What would you have done in this situation?
This story is inspired by a thread from an online forum.
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