MatSav wrote:

At my secondary comprehensive ("high") school, we had to make
choices at aged 14 (for me, that was in 1975) about what subjects
to study to GCE O' Level or CSE (the standard qualifications, at
the time, for 16-y-o's in the UK). These choices were
constrained by the timetable planners, and some subjects were
compulsory.

It was compulsory to study English, Mathematics, at least one
science, and one foreign language. The 'options' usually forced
the boys to take one of three technical subjects as well
(Technical Drawing, Metalwork, Woodwork). The timetable planner
(yes, ONE teacher!) hadn't even considered there may be some
pupils (such as my older brother) who were absolutely useless at
the technical subjects, but were also very bright and got
excellent results in academic subjects. My brother was the first
to force a change in this rule, and was able to study all
academic subjects instead. A friend of mine wanted to become a
dentist - which meant he would have to take three sciences
(chemistry, physics, biology) - but Mrs. Annan, who planned the
timetable, had never even considered the possibility that a pupil
from our school would be bright enough or have enough ambition to
study those three subjects. Fortunately, his mother was also a
teacher at the school (she taught Remedial English for pupils who
had problems with literacy), and was able to force some changes
to allow this as a possible choice.

So yes, indeed, teachers have a great influence (both good and
bad). At 16, it's just not possible for a young adult to
understand exactly how many different careers are available, and
teacher's advice tends to stick with traditional options - such
as engineering, banking, nursing, etc...

From the time I knew such a profession was possible, I wanted to be an
opera singer. Consequently, when in eighth grade (age 13) we were
required to write an essay about possible adult occupations, I looked
for something about the practicalities of a singing career. Our school
library provided nothing at all about classical music performance, so I
decided to write about acting, instead. The only "reference" regarding a
stage career was a brief statement: "Forget it!"

True, most people who dream of an acting or musical career never make
it, but wouldn't books and articles describing the TRUE aspects
(including very hard work for often disappointing results) have an
equally discouraging effect upon the mere dreamers, while offering a
little practical advice to those with real talent? Things like
information about professional schools/classes, where to find out about
auditions, how to find a reputable agent willing to handle beginning
talent..... (Learning from experience means one mostly learns too late,
where anything involving the performing arts is concerned.)
Consequently, I still wonder "what if....?" when I contemplate all the
ignorant mistakes I made in my career attempts.