To elaborate on my earlier comment, "Imagine doing something else and then realize how terrible you'd be at it.", I provide the following quote from A Mathematician's Apology.
"I may add that they are particularly unlikely to present themselves to a mathematician. It is usual to exaggerate rather grossly the differences between the mental processes of mathematicians and other people, but it is undeniable that a gift for mathematics is one of the most specialized talents, and that mathematicians as a class are not particularly distinguished for general ability or versatility. If a man is in any sense a real mathematician, then it is a hundred to one that his mathematics will be far better than anything else he can do, and that he would be silly if he surrendered any decent opportunity of exercising his one talent in order to do undistinguished work in other fields. Such a sacrifice could be justified only by economic necessity or age."
While we're on the subject, you should suggest that the student in question read that book.
Edit: Yes, it's public domain in Canada and available at the bottom of the Wikipedia page in the references. Here's a direct link.
