Broad and Deep

     Parents try to provide a broad range of  experiences so their children will become well-rounded adults.  They make sure their kids receive a good education and are introduced to many extra-curricular activities.  The parents' own values and interests are often passed on.   At times, the child may prefer other activities.  As we offer our children many options, they should be allowed and encouraged to make their own choices.
     Elementary school students are given an introduction to all the basic subjects.  As they get older, their aptitudes and preferences will cause them to excel in some subjects and have problems in others.  They may lose interest in some activities and wish to increase their skills in others.
     Today's teens are encouraged at even younger ages to make choices regarding college majors and careers.  Schedule choices in grades 11 and 12 often reflect a focus away from a broad education to a preparation for post graduation.  Parents and counselors also add pressure to go into a career that makes for financial stability.  The broad education to develop your mind and talent is often secondary to big bucks.
     We adults often become more specialized as we deepen our knowledge and expertise in a particular subject or career.  This may produce success in our chosen profession, but we may lose sight  of the advantages of being well-rounded.  Our parents and teachers may have told us if we worked hard, we could accomplish almost anything.   But as we made choices that narrowed our world, formed opinions that narrowed our mind, and took on financial responsibilities, we may have endangered the goal of being well-rounded.
     Be careful, for as you deepen your interest in a particular activity, you may lessen the chance to broaden your opportunities.  As you become set in your ways, you may narrow your viewpoint and not see the big wide world.