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The Battalion
Page 3 • Tuesday, October 7, 2003
Under pressure
Criticism and comparisons can plague students in pursuit of their own paths
By Amy Malone
THE BATTALION
Chris Peek, a senior history major, never expe
rienced any real pressure from his parents until his
freshman year at Texas A&M. Always an excel-
student, Peek really didn’t need pushing into
s Business School. His life took a twist, and
Peek switched his major from business to history
ring his freshman year.
His brother Kevin Peek, a senior sociology
jor, did not do as well academically as his twin
brother. He said that he did not feel extreme pres
sure academically from his family because his
parents had always put stock in Chris.”
Kevin Peek enjoyed the lack of pressure from
parents and never felt overly compelled to
apply much effort. In college he began to be moti-
atedby his interest in sociology. He switched his
major from communications to sociology when he
became interested in church history,
i was never jealous of Kevin growing up,
I don’t think he was ever jealous of me.
Now that we have become so close I just admire
- all the different qualities that God has
given him. I just have so much admiration for
’Peek said.
Chris and Kevin were able to avoid jealousy in
their relationship partly because their parents did
n’t compare them to each other.
Pressure is a word commonly known to the col-
lege student whether involving parents, peers,
teachers or the self. Most everyone desires to
please and live up to not only his counterpart’s
expectations, but his own as well. Pressure is one
of those aspects in life that has no neutral ground
- it can motivate, discourage and, without a
doubt, shape relationships and lives.
Ted Stachowiak, associate director of Student
Counseling Services, said parents are often well-
meaning with their comparisons, but don’t realize
the consequences their comments have on their
children. He said many times such criticism,
rate than having the desired effect, achieves the
adverse instead.
These comments sometimes make it difficult
for the child to become motivated,” Stachowiak
said. “Other possible consequences are
withdrawl or they are so angry that
they aren’t able to perform as they
are expected to.”
The Peek twins sought Christian
extracurricular activities their jun
ior year in high school. Both men
then decided to pursue this avenue as
a career.
Their parents could not understand
why the men would want to be “unsuc
cessful.” They said their parents do not
approve and believe the two are not using
their skills to the best
of their abilities. 4
In this case, g
Stachowiak said,
parents should value
what each student
has to offer and
encourage yr
them in that.
While the pres
sures of family life
and similar ambitions
made the Peeks
who they are
today, other stu
dents say they
just want to
make their par-
e n t s
p r o u d ,i
and that
in itself is
pressure
enough.
“My par
ents never
pressured us in anything,” said Missy
Hamilton, a senior nutritional sciences major.
“I would say that they were good at encourag
ing us in whatever way whether it be in school,
athletics or other extracurricular activities. 1
put a lot of pressure on myself, then and now.”
Overall pressure to do well and be involved is
viewed positively by some.
Growing up in a single-parent home, said
Heather Jones, a junior communications major,
means the expectations of extended family became
the primary source of guidance.
“My pressure is not only parental pressure but
all my extended family takes it upon themselves
to be a father figure to me, as well,” Jones said.
“Everyone has different standards. It’s made me
who I am today and made me work a lot harder.”
These different standards should be molded to fit
Mahesh Neelakantan •THE BATTALION
the talents of the student, Stachowiak said.
“A child should be encouraged to seek out their
own individualism,” Stachowiak said.
Not only does a littlepositive pressure help build
mentor relationships and strengthen existing ties but
it gives motivation and structure to life.
“They have taken me under their wing with their
expectations,” Jones said. “And I do my best to
comply with them.”
,ION
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