Figuring it out at 17

What do you want to be when you grow up?

It's a question we've all heard since childhood. But now that I'm seventeen and in Class XII, it no longer feels like small talk. It's real, intimidating-and honestly, exciting.

For me, it wasn't about academic pressure or fulfilling expectations. I just had this quiet urge to explore paths that others around me weren't even thinking about. When I saw some peers trying internships or reading about careers, I thought: Why not me?

In India, teens often delay these conversations. But I believed that starting early might give me an edge-and more importantly, help me grow personally. Here's what this journey has taught me:

School doesn't teach you how to live

Our education system still feels outdated. We aren't taught essential life skills like communication, managing money, understanding the stock market or even exploring career options.

Real learning often happens outside the classroom-when you're figuring things out on your own, or learning with peers who are just as curious.

Exploration brings clarity

I've explored psychology, design and NGO work. But I've always been someone who's empathetic, observant and drawn to leadership.

Watching my dad work in the corporate world for over 20 years inspired me. His discipline and clarity influenced me deeply-and I started gravitating toward finance and management myself.

You don't need an internship to begin

Class XII life is hectic-I haven't done a formal internship yet. But I've taken online courses, volunteered with NGOs and tried to step out of my comfort zone.

I also love to write. This is my first blog-style piece I'm sharing publicly-and if you're reading this, you're part of my journey.

Start whenever-just start

I used to feel I was late compared to others. But my dad reminds me, "It's never too late to start."

So here I am, doing what I can, one small step at a time. And that's enough.

Not everyone will understand-and that's okay

I try to share this mindset with friends. Some listen, some don't. But that's okay. If you're unsure, or feel behind-remember: every effort counts. You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need to begin.

Final thought

This isn't just my first published piece. It's the start of something more.

We may be 17, but we can still choose to ask the right questions-and take charge of our stories.

Riana Bhardwaj, Class XII, Shishu Niketan Public School, Sector 43, Chandigarh