In January there will be many TY students throughout the country choosing subjects for their leaving certificate. Choosing subjects for the leaving certificate is one of the most important decisions students make and it is often underrated how important these decisions are. These choices shape academic pathways. They can open some doors and close others. The importance of choosing the correct subjects is often underrated. I would like a helpline to be set up, even just for the month of January, that students could ring to ask questions such as, "If I do physics what does it open for me? If I do not do it, what does it close for me?" Parents could also get involved and just seek a bit of help. It would show the importance of these choices. I know many schools have excellent career guidance but for many reasons students may not wish to interact with a careers guidance teacher. Obviously, parents could also contact the helpline. It is very important that students realise the importance of these decisions.