[Amygdalas]

I feel like this question isn't going to have an easy answer...

So I'm 18, a senior in high school. I have always been a dreamer trying to reach my full potential (yes even above eating, safety, relationships ect.) pyramid joke... For quite a while I've had a goal to get a PHD in Psychology. But when I think about it, its not so much about the PHD and the jobs I can obtain along with it. Credibility and respect is what I want. I always feel like people don't accept my ideas simply because of my age and education.
Basically my question is : how can I get people to take consideration in my philosophy, theories, and ideas in general? I don't care so much about money, I just want to make the "world" a better place. I would love to study psychology for 8 years, honestly I would. However I can't afford it... I admit I lack a true understanding of finances and all the work that is needed for a PHD as I am still a kid. This is another question/topic I need advice on. I will do whatever it takes to get a PHD if I feel it's necessary for me, but how do I go about it? I have always been extremely troubled with grades in school, Mostly staying on task, and paying attention. I don't think I am narcissistic , but I truly believe that I'm above most in intelligence.
It has never been brought to attention but I believe I'm also mildly autistic, like high functioning aspergers or savant. Particularly when I look at my childhood it is clear to me, it seems as though I almost grew out of it but I definitely am still "DSM certified." Anyways I have dreamed of many ways to "cheat" my way through the educational system with scholarships. Such as with my philosophies and theories (essays). I've developed therapies particularly to do with anti-social PD, ie PRISON. I feel like if people would take things like this into consideration they might give me a chance.
Currently I'm doing a lot of research for a disorder I founded called "Entheogenic Autism" I use the word autism in its root definition as being lost in one self (essentially), but also includes most of the typical autism traits. I believe that the symptoms of this disorder are new, and uprising in the next generation. Why? I based this disorder off the pineal gland, kind of like you may say anti-social is based off the amygdala. Artificial light exposure along with withdrawal from reality are growing more and more, almost exponentially. Light bulbs in general along with cell phones, computers, televisions, all have a similarity of combining artificial light and withdrawal from reality. I believe kids are being effected more then adults as the pineal gland slowly becomes calcified over time.

Anyways I've gone on far to long, I hope someone can provide me with answers/tips ect... Thanks

[Perna]

Credibility and respect can only come through time and experience. Yes, getting a PhD in psychology would help get you some of those but only because you would then be 27+ years old and had done a lot of work in that time period, would have a lot of experience in psychology.

One does not suddenly have money, enough time put in and the experience, all of those happen one little step after another. You do not have to have the money right now for a PhD, you have to apply to a good college, be accepted, and then figure out how to pay for September's semester of schooling next. Of course you do not understand about money, how could you with no experience working with money yet, no "need" for it, no job to receive it so you can pay it out, invest it, buy food, housing, the care of yourself, etc.? All those things happen day-by-day not suddenly.

Research on the pineal gland has to take place in a laboratory, over time, is not just reading. One can have a theory, "kids are being affected more than adults. . ." but it takes time to test it out. No one respects a theory that hasn't been tested out sufficiently. Work on getting into college, studying and researching in psychology, and then testing out your theories (I take it you want to study neuroscience?) as you get to that point. There's lots of great things to study! http://www.psych.umn.edu/research/

[Amygdalas]

Thanks for the response ^.^ less hopeful then I wished for but I guess the truth is the truth haha

and yeah I want to be a neurologist

[sconnie892]

I agree with Perna. Credibility and respect are things earned over time because you do the work. But you have to do the work one step at a time. Colleges have resources for helping you reach to that PhD. But first you have to get into college and do the time as an undergrad.

I am curious why you say "cheat" your way through with scholarships?

[Amygdalas]

I mean, like a way to prove my self. Surely I am further ahead with my knowledge of neuroscience, and psychology in general then most 18 year olds.