Describe some advice that you gave to someone

I'd like to talk about some advice that I gave to my younger cousin, Sardor, last year. He was seventeen and in his final year of school, and he was feeling very confused about what to study at university. His parents wanted him to become a lawyer, but he was more interested in graphic design.

He called me one evening and sounded rather stressed. He said that he didn't want to disappoint his family, but he was afraid he would be unhappy doing something he didn't enjoy. I listened to him for quite a long time and then gave him my advice. I told him that he should first find out as much as he could about both careers, for example by talking to a lawyer and a designer and seeing what their working lives were really like. Then I suggested that he speak honestly with his parents, showing them examples of his work and explaining his reasoning calmly rather than arguing.

I gave this advice because I had a similar experience when I was choosing my course, and I remember how important it was to make a decision based on information and not on fear. I also believed that, if he explained himself well, his parents would understand.

He followed my advice. He spoke to a graphic designer who was a friend of mine and also attended a short workshop. Afterwards, he sat down with his parents and presented a small portfolio. They were surprised by his talent and eventually agreed to support him. He's now in his first year of a design course and seems really happy.

I was pleased that things turned out well, and it made me realise how valuable it is to listen before advising.