Apply to University.

Last year, when I finished high school, I already knew I wanted to continue my studies in Cegep. A wide range of programs were open to me, but I ultimately chose to study Arts and Culture. I'm currently in the first year of a two-year program, and I need to start thinking about what I'm going to do at university. I'm hesitating between applying to the University of Sherbrooke, which advantage is that it's located closer to my childhood home, or to University Laval, which offers a program that interests me.

Choice 1 : University of Sherbrooke.

Choice 2 : University Laval.

University of Sherbrooke.

By being exposed to the ins-and-outs of all kinds of art in Cegep, I was able to clarify my interests. University of Sherbrooke offers bachelor's degree in literature, but not in cinema, which are the two artistic fields that interest me the most. Fortunately, I found out that one of my friends wanted to do a bachelor's degree in music, and I thought it could be fun to join her. I am left with this dilemma.

Choice 1 : Pursue a Bachelor in literature.

Choice 2 : Pursue a Bachelor in music.

University Laval.

As I was introduced to several forms of art during my time at Cegep, I now know which ones interest me the most : literature and cinema. Here, at University Laval, I can do a bachelor's degree in either of these fields. I don't know which one to choose.

Choice 1 : Pursue a Bachelor in literature.

Choice 2 : Pursue a Bachelor in cinema.

Pursue a Bachelor in literature.

A bachelor's degree in literature lasts about three years if I choose to study full-time. Literature is a subject that doesn't interest my parents at all. They tried to discourage me from entering the program, saying that I wouldn't be able to find a job with this diploma. I refused to agree with them, and now they won't pay for my studies. On one hand, I need to have time to work to be able to pay my semesters, but on the other hand, I'd like to finish my studies as quickly as possible. I have to options : study full-time or study half-time.

Choice 1 : Study full-time.

Choice 2 : Study half-time.

Pursue a Bachelor in music.

At first, I thought it would be a good idea to follow my friend and study music, but I soon realized I actually hated my program. I'm really bad at writing songs, and on top of that, I only play very few instruments. My grades are mediocre, and I can't keep going. After speaking with the head of my department, he advised me to see an academic advisor. In fact, I think I don't want to study anymore. The program has discouraged me.

Choice 1 : Meet the academic advisor.

Choice 2 : Drop out of school.

Pursue a Bachelor in cinema.

I'm really happy in this program. I like my courses, my teachers and the different subjects I learn more about every day. However, my best friend has just booked a trip to Italy to film a documentary about the Italian culture. Since I have straight A's and a good time management, I think I can go with her. In fact, the issue is that if I leave, I'll fall one semester behind the standard progression of other students.

Choice 1 : Go to Italy.

Choice 2 : Stay in Canada.

Study full-time.

After a couple of weeks of full-time studying, I quickly realized I wasn't made for literature related careers because there weren't many options. I could become a teacher, a journalist, an editor or a translator, and none of these interested me that much. My parents were right. I should've chosen to go to University Laval and do a bachelor's degree in cinema...

Choice 1 : Start again.

Study half-time.

I made the right choice by deciding to study part-time because I really don't like what I'm doing at school. Since I have time, I work in a small coffee shop. Even though my wage is not huge, I'm saving some money, but I still don't know what I'll use it for. I'm hesitating between moving to Quebec City and enrolling in a bachelor's degree in cinema at University Laval as I originally wanted or going on a solo trip to enjoy my youth.

Choice 1 : Move to Quebec City to pursue a Bachelor in cinema at University Laval.

Choice 2 : Go on a solo trip.

Meet the academic advisor.

Since I really don't like my program, I decided to meet with an academic advisor to help me find a field that truly interests me. Here, at the University of Sherbrooke, he recommends that I pursue a bachelor's degree in visual arts. However, he also told me that the best option would be to go to University Laval to study cinema. He can see how passionate I am about it. I don't know what to do because in the meantime I've met a boy who became my boyfriend, and I don't want to deal with a long-distance relationship.

Choice 1 : Pursue a Bachelor in visual arts.

Choice 2 : Move to Quebec City to pursue a Bachelor in cinema at University Laval.

Drop out of school.

Dropping out of school wasn't a good idea... I lost the motivation to do anything, including going to work. I lost my part-time job at the small coffee shop, and now I'm unemployed.

Choice 1 : Apply to University.

Go to Italy.

I decided to go to Italy with my best friend. I fell behind other students, but this trip was so beneficial for me. This break allowed me to clear my mind and put a foot in the door of the filming process. On top of that, I was able to practice what I was learning in my classes, such as finding good lighting or choosing a soundtrack that fits well with the message. Now, I need to start thinking about my future career. I'm indecisive : I don't know whether I want to teach cinema in Cegep or become a film director.

Choice 1 : Become a cinema teacher in Cegep.

Choice 2 : Become a film director.

Stay in Canada.

With hindsight, I should've gone on the trip with my best friend. The workload is weighing heavily on my shoulders, and I'm experiencing a lot of performance related anxiety. I don't know whether I should see a psychologist to help me get through this difficult period, or do nothing.

Choice 1 : See a psychologist.

Choice 2 : Ignore the fact that I don't feel well.

Move to Quebec City to pursue a Bachelor in cinema at University Laval.

I chose to prioritize my studies over my relationship. I made the right decision... I found out that my boyfriend was cheating on me just before I left. It wouldn't have been worth staying for him anyway. I'm actually very happy in my program. I'm starting to think about careers that might interest me : teaching cinema at Cegep or become a film director.

Choice 1 : Become a cinema teacher in Cegep.

Choice 2 : Become a film director.

Go on a solo trip.

I decided to use the money I had to go on a solo trip. When I finally came back, I realized that I might not have thought enough about the drawback of this choice because now, I no longer have money to pay for my semester. I have to drop out of school for the moment, which makes me feel powerless. I need to make money, and after I'll be able to go through the University application process again since I had to drop out of my program.

Choice 1 : Apply to University.

Pursue a Bachelor in visual arts.

I shouldn't have stayed in Sherbrooke just for my boyfriend... I found out that he was cheating on me a week after classes started, which implies that I can't reconsider my choice because I have to finish my semester. On top of that, I don't particularly like my program, although it's not that bad. What really bothers me is paying for something useless. I'm hesitating between finishing my semester and starting over from scratch, or completing the bachelor's degree in hope to find a field-related job that interests me later.

Choice 1 : Start over from scratch.

Choice 2 : Finish the Bachelor in visual arts.

Become a cinema teacher in Cegep.

I absolutely love my job. I have a good salary, I get along with my colleagues, and I don't feel too much pressure regarding the tasks I have to complete every day. I can now say that I've succeeded in my life!

Choice 1 : Start again.

Become a film director.

Unfortunately, it's very difficult to success in the film industry. More often than not, making a movie is extremely expensive, and few distribution companies are willing to cover the costs for directors of more independent works. My job causes me a lot of stress, and I think I would be better off applying for a teaching position.

Choice 1 : Become a cinema teacher in Cegep.

Choice 2 : Wait and see what happens with my projects.

See a psychologist.

Now that I'm seeing a psychologist, my condition has improved a lot, and I feel much better. She is helping me manage my performance anxiety, and since things are going better in that regard, I'm finishing my semester and entering the job market without feeling overwhelmed! Now, all that's left is to choose which career I want to pursue.

Choice 1 : Become a cinema teacher in Cegep.

Choice 2 : Become a film director.

Ignore the fact that I don't feel well.

It wasn't worthwhile ignoring my emotional distress for the sake of my studies... I fell into a depression. I'm not doing well, I need help, and I don't know where to find it.

Choice 1 : Start again.

Finish the Bachelor in visual arts.

I finished my bachelor's degree in visual arts. I hated my studies because I constantly felt alienated, as if I were an impostor. However, I found a job. I now work in graphic design for a cosmetic's company. I never thought I would do this for a living, but I guess life can be full of surprises!

Choice 1 : Start again.

Start over from scratch.

I decided to gather my courage and start over from scratch. Basically, I'm acting as if I had just graduated from Cegep and had to choose a University. I'll eventually find a program that I like!

Choice 1 : Start again.

Wait and see what happens with my projects as a film director.

I was right to be patient and let time work things out. I now have contracts with major production companies and many successful movies to my name. I really feel a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment in being a film director. I love my job!

Choice 1 : Start again.