Actor Blair Strang's mother was livid he dropped out of law school.
He later returned to it, and the former Shortland St and Nothing Trivial star is adamant young people should "choose your career and pick something you enjoy that you're passionate about".
And he told 140 Rangitikei secondary students just that yesterday at the Youth Leadership Forum in Marton.
Students from Rangitikei College, Nga Tawa, Turakina Maori Girls and Feilding Agricultural High listened to the "Striving with attitude and greatness" presentations and took part in workshops aimed at boosting their confidence, overcoming fear and learned acting techniques.
Strang, fellow former Shortland St actor Will Hall, Wanganui Girls' College head of physical education and health and NZ Women's Touchblacks member Kristina Sue and extreme athlete Sarah Wilson regaled the students with their stories of what led to success in their chosen professions.