Case 9.1: An Asian American High School Student Plans for the Future

Please read the following case study and answer the questions to the best of your ability.

Simon, a high school student, plans to attend college next year. For most of his school career, he has been an outstanding student, and his grades have been excellent. He is also a talented musician who has won many musical competitions. His eventual goal is to go to a medical school and then specialize in cardiology. Simon was born and raised in the United States, but his parents are first-generation immigrants from Vietnam. They have been extremely supportive of Simon. They work long hours in a restaurant and have sacrificed everything to ensure that Simon and his three younger siblings are able to focus on school. Lately, Simon has expressed that he has feelings of anxiety related to his future plans. He has been having headaches and stomachaches that make it difficult to concentrate on his schoolwork. He explains that he plans to go to medical school to please his parents, but in fact he would rather further his studies in music and become a professional musician. However, he has never mentioned this desire to his parents for fear of angering or disappointing them. The anxiety of starting college and putting himself onto a career path that does not involve doing what he truly loves weighs on him.

Question:

Define the central issue and available options for Simon.

What special training or background would a counselor need to be able to help Simon?

How are Simon's mental health issues intertwined with his career counseling needs?