Oh, I'm sorry you have a craptacular guidance counsellor. I had one of those too, unfortunately. He wanted me to go to engineering school because I was very good at math (and he wished HE had been an engineer). I told him I was interested in drawing and art, but he told me there was no chance of a career in that area. So, then I told him I wanted to be an English teacher. He gave me a long lecture about how it was SO sad to see a bright mind go to waste. It wasn't until I had finished my English degree that I realized there were job opportunities in graphic design. I had never heard of the art school I ended up going to -- because my guidance counsellor didn't tell me about it when I asked him about careers for someone with artistic talents.

I wish I had done more research on my own -- and it looks like that's what you're going to have to do too. Maybe get your parents to help you too.

As for teachers whom you just can't stand? Well, there's usually not a damn thing you can do about it. I had professors in university who graded on the curve. It was infuriating, but I had to just put up with it and do my best... and look forward to not being in their class anymore. Not all teachers are GOOD teachers. Once in a while you have a great one, though, and those are the ones who will change your life. You'll never forget an exceptional teacher.