Hi, MFriend, welcome to PsychCentral (PC). I find it hard when everything seems to be happening at once to remember that it is not really. Yes, some opportunities and choices move out of one's immediate range but there really isn't that big of a brink; you will be with you and your interests will be your interests long after you no long have to consult your parents on things. I decided in 1967 what I wanted, started college in 1968 and was fine until 1970 when I changed my major and my life. But I got back to my 1967 choice again in 2001 and got a degree in that too and and am working with that still, today, and am quite happy. It is very hard when one is young and does not have much support or guidance but that can be "fixed" as one gets older and gets one's own experience about one's self and the work and school world and "life" in general.