Confusion about college choices...?

[Elle]

I'm a 15 year old girl. Since I was tiny I have wanted to be an author and when I went to look around college I was going to choose a 'print based media' course. This led me into everything writing such as journalism, photography and other writing jobs.
Recently I have been wanting to go off on something completely different feeling that I'm not good enough and that it would bore me. So now I have chosen 'health and social care' course and have been looking into working in mental health care etc. I have been so so excited and think I have made the right choice, and I've been accepted!
However tonight I was filling out a hopes and dreams sheet for homework and realised that writing is what I love to do, and can only really see myself doing that. I feel so sad and scared about the future and have no idea what to do. I would like to go into mental health care but when I try to imagine myself doing that I just can't, whereas when I try to imagine myself behind a computer or with pen and paper I can.
I just don't know what to do, please someone help me

[Lace]

Follow your dreams. But, dreams can change. Like you, I've always wanted to be an author. But it was always because i like reading. So then i tried writing romance stories but got writer's block multiple times and gave up on it cuz it started to get boring.

So, it was actually my grandmother who suggested that I become a nurse practitioner. Since I had a burning passion for helping people out, i knew that this was my dream i was going to chase after


So if you're confused, try reevaluating. Think about YOU want to do NOT what you can imagine yourself being in. I can't imagine myself going into college but I will right? In the same way, think of what you really want to be

[Raymond B]

I wanted to write when I was your age. I heard speeches by President Reagan and I read novels by Dumas and Bronte and I thought I'd love to be a speechwriter or a novelist. What I learned as I got older was that such a goal was ok if I knew that I could find other support options to make money to support my passions. Maybe that is a bit of a negative view, but you are right to be thinking of another option beyond writing - even if you choose to continue down the author path in the future.

Whatever college you choose, its likely that your passion and your alternative interest could be found in the same university - liberal arts and human services often find a home under the same higher ed. roof. If you have not tried this, please speak to your guidance counselor or college center person about an interest survey. Its fascinating to find out where your personality and talents place you.

While in high school, ask around about internships/apprenticeships at places that could use your skills in writing (editing, fact-checking, research, for advertising agencies, small publishing firms, sweekly newspapers, etc.) and in human services (hospitals, counseling centers, retirement homes, etc.) You may find your interests narrowed or altered as a result. And don't feel bad if you lose your love for either area. Part of growing up is learning that there are loves you like for personal attention and others you can use for professional development.

And, keep in mind, you have time to choose what you want to do - as long as you eliminate what you don't want to do.

[Devi]

Try going to a school with a strong liberal arts program that would allow you to try out all of your interests. Get involved in extracurriculars that involve your field(s) of interest.

[VanillaEssence]

The only way you'll get into a decent writing career is if you get some decent A levels in English based subjects and do an English degree, then go into writing but beware authors don't usually make much money unless they get lucky or their books get turned into films