AFTER a month-long holiday, I am ready for the new school term, which starts tomorrow.

It is a time for fresh beginnings. For Form Four students like me, this is especially true as we step into the science or arts stream, depending on our choices.

Before wrapping up the previous academic year, my batchmates and I had already made ours. It was a major decision and far from easy.

I initially felt frustrated and stressed, torn between two paths. The problem? I did not have a clear vision of my future career goals.

Despite the Education Ministry’s official abolition of the traditional science and arts streaming system in 2020, some schools still follow it due to various implementation challenges.

In my school, subject combinations are grouped into four packages, which largely align with the old streams.

Everyone says, “Follow your interests and passions.” But while I enjoy playing the piano and reading novels, neither hobby seemed to point to a realistic career path.

The fear of making the wrong choice and facing lifelong consequences weighed heavily on me.

Instead of staying stuck in indecision, I realised I needed a better way to evaluate my options. That was when I started looking at my academic interests, strengths and long-term possibilities.

To make an informed decision, consulting school administrators to understand the subject selection process and available options is crucial. It is also important to bear the following in mind.

Keep an open mind

Steve Jobs famously said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

The first step in choosing subjects is to reflect on which topics fascinated you the most in Form Three.

I have always been intrigued by human physiology, so a science-related package felt natural for me. However, doubts crept in – especially due to my dislike for physics.

Since my school requires science stream students to take Biology, Physics and Chemistry together, I hesitated.

If you are facing a similar challenge, here’s what could help: keep an open mind. Disliking a subject now does not mean you will never understand it. I am choosing to give it a chance.

My struggle with physics-related topics since Form One had been frustrating, but I realised it stemmed from a lack of understanding. Concepts like force and motion felt cryptic, and even basic formulas seemed difficult to grasp.

By chance, I stumbled upon an online resource explaining a topic I had struggled with. To my surprise, it was not as complicated as I had thought.

That experience taught me an important lesson: sometimes, a subject only feels difficult because you have not found the right way to understand it.

I am applying this mindset as I step into Form Four, knowing that what seems intimidating now might become enjoyable with the right approach.

Avoid peer pressure

One of my seniors gave me this crucial advice: “Make this choice personal. Never choose a stream just because your friends are in it.”

No doubt, it is tempting to follow friends, especially when stepping into something new. But if your interests do not align with the subjects, it can lead to burnout and stress.

Initially, I worried about losing connections with my friends, but I realised that friendships do not disappear just because we choose different subject packages. There are still recess, extracurricular activities and after-school meetups.

There is no ‘better’ stream

A common myth is that the science stream is only for “smart” students. This stereotype persists because careers like doctors and engineers are often viewed as prestigious.

Some students feel pressured to choose science-related subjects to meet societal expectations, even if they have no interest in them.

Yes, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are often promoted as the future, but many successful individuals have also pursued non-STEM educational backgrounds and thrived in fields like the arts, business and entertainment.

The truth is, there is no universally “better” stream – only the one that suits you best.

Ultimately, this decision is just one step in a journey of a thousand miles. Whatever path you take, always remember: a star will shine no matter where it goes.

I am confident that if I approach the new school year with an open mind and a willingness to learn, I will thrive.

To those still on the fence, I hope my reflections provide some guidance and reassurance. Good luck!

Xin Ying, 16, a student in Melaka, 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.