Help (CONTEST)

1) Did you ever think that people try to protect you because they care about you? Protecting someone doesn't mean that you think they're weak or incapable of caring for themselves, it means that you love them and care about their wellbeing. All of my friends are fabulously strong people, but I'm still going to protect them when I can - just because I know they could deal with all of their problems on their own doesn't mean they should have to. I'm going to take as much of their weight as possible, because that's what friends do. I'm sure the people in your life have the same intentions...the best. 1

Of course, there's a difference in protecting someone and in babying them or hiding things from them. The other categories are a bit more complicated. Sometimes people try to keep you from knowing things because they think you aren't strong enough or are too young to handle it. Sometimes they're totally wrong, and sometimes, no matter how much it sucks to admit it, they're right. If this is the case, consider the source. If they're people you trust and they're telling you that you don't want to know, think abotu listening. Otherwise, sit down and have a discussion with them about what you want to know and why you feel that you have the right to know it.2

If people are looking at you as truly weak, then that's a matter of perception you'll have to deal with. Prove that you're strong - work on being more assertive, face issues head-on in a mature way, and go after whatever you want in a logical manner with guns blazing. Seek out, take on, and rock leadership roles in your school and community.3

Being protected isn't a bad thing. Feeling like a child can be. Part of growing up is learning to discern the difference between the two, and picking your battles.4

2) Honey, you are sooo far away from having to make any kind of decision about what you want to do with your life - you don't really have to know until you're a sophomore in college, and even then people change their minds all the time. Sit down, and make a list of everything you like doing. Think of careers that work with those, research them if you can, and write them down, too. (A good rule of thumb for "unrealistic" dreams like acting, being a musician, etc: if you can imagine being happy doing anything else, don't bother trying. It's a hard, hard road, and you'll save yourself a lot if you can be happy in another field.) When you're looking for universities in the next while, look for ones that have good programs in the different fields you're considering. If you have the chance to try any of your possible choices out during summers or breaks, do so - anything you figure out you don't want to do is just as valuable as knowing what you do want at this point.5

The biggest thing you need to worry about now, as far as your future, is making yourself a good candidate for universities. College may not be for everyone, but unless you plan on being some sort of physical labourer or a hairdresser or something, it probably should be for you. Work on getting the best grades you can in the most challenging classes, try to test as well as possible, and be involved in your school and community. When you go to college, worlds open up - there are classes in EVERYTHING, and you can take any of them to get a taste of what you might like. (I'm a freshman in college now, and it's wonderful, like a carnival for your brain!) Look at where you want to go, tour it, discuss it with your parents, and be ready to request transcripts the first bit of senior year and get things in the mail. Having that done well and done early will keep you from stressing all of senior year.6

I know looking out at the future is stressful, and the end of high school seems like the edge of a cliff, but it isn't, I promise. You'll be okay - just trust and love yourself.7

(*Cough* Shameless plug for WKU *cough*)