Recently, I had a deep and honest conversation with a teenage girl and her father. She dreamed of becoming an Aeronautical Engineer her eyes lit up when she spoke about it. But her father, like many well-meaning parents, was worried.

he asked.

• “What if there aren’t good job prospects?” 
• “What if it’s not the right field for a woman?”
• “What if she struggles?”

Out of love (and a hidden layer of fear), he felt it was his duty to decide for her. He thought he was protecting her, but was he really?

So I asked him gently:
“Can you protect her forever? Or is it your greater responsibility to help her learn to stand up for herself?”

He fell silent. That question made him think.

The Hidden Cost of Letting Others Steer

Now, let’s flip this to you — the teenager reading this.

Ask yourself:

• Are you sitting in the passenger seat of your own life, letting someone else drive?
• Are you waiting for your parents, teachers, or friends to make your choices for you?
• Do you feel stuck, but secretly hope someone will come along and chart your course?

If yes — I get it. It’s easy to feel that way. After all, it’s comfortable when someone else takes responsibility, isn’t it?

But here’s the hard truth:

• If you let others drive, you’ll reach the destination they think is right for you — not the one you truly desire.

Let me share another quick example.

Why Parents Worry, And Why That’s Okay

Your parents worry because they love you. They want the best for you, and sometimes, fear masks itself as love. They might be scared you’ll fail or struggle.

But here’s the thing: their worry doesn’t mean you should give up your dreams. Instead, your job is to help them believe in your plan.

Your Responsibility as a Teen

• Don’t just say, “I want to do this.” Show them why and how you’ll make it work.
• Research your path. Talk to people in the field. Build a plan.
• Help your parents see that you’re not just chasing a fantasy — you’re ready to take responsibility.
• When they see your confidence, they’ll start to believe in your vision too.

What Happens When You Don’t Take Charge?

If you don’t take the wheel:

• You may end up following a path that doesn’t fulfill you.
• You may blame others when things go wrong — but in truth, you gave away the power.
• You may keep waiting for someone else to choose for you — a partner, a boss, even your friends.

And one day, you’ll look back and wonder: Why didn’t I just believe in myself sooner?

So, What Can You Do Today?

• Reflect: What are your dreams? What’s stopping you from taking action?
• Communicate: Have an honest talk with your parents. Not just “I want this,” but “Here’s my plan, and here’s why I believe in it.”
• Own it: Remember — this is your life. If you want to build it your way, start driving today.
• Stay humble, stay open: Take advice, learn, and adjust — but don’t let fear (yours or others’) decide your future.

Final Thought

Your life is like a car. The world will try to put many people in your driving seat — but only you can truly steer it towards your dreams.

Ask yourself:
Am I in the driver’s seat of my life — or have I handed over the wheel?

If the answer makes you pause — maybe today is the day to take charge.

If this resonated with you, share this with a friend who needs to hear it — and remember, your journey starts with one brave choice.