Article November 18, 1967 Issue

Confidence and Conviction

[For young adults]

BETTY PARROTT

The professor paced up and down for a moment without answering. He had just explained to a student the very promising results of an extensive vocational test she had taken. But the student had greeted the professor's deductions with dismay instead of elation. "How can I possibly embark upon any one of those breathtaking careers you recommend," she had blurted out, "without a conviction that it is the right one for me? I haven't a clue yet what life is all about anyway—and not a shred of self-confidence! Before I can decide to take up one of those careers, I must first gain a modicum of confidence and conviction. Please tell me how!"

The professor returned to his desk and shook his head regretfully. "I'm afraid I can't. You'll have to find out for yourself."

Lack of confidence. Lack of conviction as to the purpose of life. How often one or the other lies back of the confused or brash behavior of students one knows, making them feel isolated and unhappy even when they are with the crowd! Unless firmly tackled, such uncertainties can prove responsible for a secret, deep-rooted sense of failure later on.

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