— I expect you’re wondering why I asked you to come for a walk.

— Oh, I can guess why. You’re fed up with for not getting a university scholarship.

— Oh, my dear chap, don’t be silly. As a matter of fact, I wanted to know what was worrying you, and now I do know. I thought that’s what it was.

— I can’t make out where I went wrong – how I came to do so badly.

— Hmm. How do you know that you did badly? It’s just that somebody else did a bit better. Look here, Robert, some people are good at taking examinations, and some are good at other things. Well, it’s a good thing that you’ve found out which kind you are.

— I don’t know what I am good at.

— You’ll soon find out… no, I think it’s a very good thing you have finished with all that anxiety about whether you would pass or not.

— Yes, but I’m worried about what’s going to happen to me.

— You don’t need to worry. It doesn’t matter a bit where you go, university or technical college, so long as you are doing what you want to do, and learning what you need for your job. The only thing is, to be sure in advance what you really want to do. Have you got any idea about that?

— Oh, yes, I’m clear enough about what I want to do. I want to make machines and engines.

 

— Well, in a way it’s a good thing you aren’t going to the university. For what you want, I’m sure a technical college is just as good or better. And now, Robert, that’s settled: we can think about where you are to go and when you can start.