Shasmeen: What truly excites me is the idea of a profession that involves analysing ideas, constructing arguments, and solving real-world problems.
I’M currently studying Foundation in Social Sciences at a local university, and the past five months have been quite a journey!
The workload has been intense - assignments, quizzes, exams, and all the studying that comes with them - but that’s part of the student experience, isn’t it?
Thankfully, having friends to share the ups and downs with, as well as approachable lecturers, has made it much more manageable.
Many questioned my sudden shift in academic pathways, especially since I was a pure science student back in secondary school, where I genuinely loved learning biology and chemistry.
However, as I looked ahead, I realised that while I enjoyed these subjects, I didn’t feel passionate enough to pursue a career in that field.
What truly excites me is the idea of a profession that involves analysing ideas, constructing arguments, and solving real-world problems. While these qualities are present in the sciences, I’m particularly drawn to how they are applied in the field of law.
That’s why I chose to pursue a Foundation in Social Sciences; it’s the ideal pathway for a future in law.
This programme offers several law-related subjects, such as Introduction to Law and Legal Skills, giving me an early glimpse into what I’ll study during my degree.
Unlike life and physical sciences, which focus on subjects unrelated to my career goals, social sciences align perfectly with my passion for law.
“Why law, Shasmeen? Why not stick to science? Law involves so much reading and memorising - you’re bound to get bored.”
These were some of the questions I faced when I made my decision. I wish I had a textbook answer, but the truth is, it was a long journey of exploring different career paths and doing plenty of research to find the right one for me.
I’ve always enjoyed reading, and I don’t get bored of it easily. The extensive reading doesn’t intimidate me – in fact, I look forward to it.
But law is far more than just reading. To excel as a lawyer, you need to approach situations from multiple perspectives, have an eye for detail, analyse problems with different strategies, and be able to thrive under pressure.
Law demands resilience and adaptability - qualities I know I have and that will help me become the lawyer I aspire to be.
Sure, law is challenging, but what’s life without a little challenge? For me, law isn’t just a career; it’s a field that will push me to grow and bring out the best in me. That’s exactly why I chose law.
Law offers a wide range of specialisations, from criminal and Sharia law to corporate law and beyond.
While I haven’t decided what to specialise in yet, I find myself drawn to corporate law, though criminal law also piques my interest. It will become clearer once I start my law degree and have the chance to dive deeply into each area.
With a better understanding of the different branches, I believe I’ll find the one that truly resonates with me. For now, I’m keeping an open mind and am excited to explore all that the legal world has to offer.
For those who are still searching for their true calling - or even those who’ve found it but feel unsure - know this: don’t let the opinions of others shake your confidence.
People often have stereotypes or misconceptions, but those don’t define you. If you’re passionate about your path and believe in your potential, pursue it wholeheartedly. That’s what I remind myself when things get tough.
The journey won’t always be easy and doubts may creep in, but trust that every step is bringing you closer to where you’re meant to be.
Embrace the challenges, stay resilient, and remember that your path is uniquely yours.
At the end of the day, it’s your dedication and perseverance that will turn your passion into a fulfilling reality. Don’t let anyone stand in your way - go after it with everything you’ve got.
Shasmeen, 18, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
