Future Independence from parents ???

Parents Forum
1

Hey guys!

To begin, I’ve very excited to go to college. I’m ready to pursue things I love and want to do, I’m ready for the challenges and the independence but it seems my family isn’t.
I want to go to colleges that have great majors that I want to go into, like psychology. I would love to major in Psychology. Recently, I’ve found out by my counselor that La Crosse is one of the best schools in state to go to for that major. If I get the scholarships I’ve applied for and stick to my savings plan it will work out to the point where my parents won’t have to pay to much and I won’t be in debt for long or at all.
I’ve told my parents this and they kinda hate the idea. They don’t want me being far away from home and I don’t want to stay home. For a while it seems like my mom has been making most of the decisions in my life. Sports, Band, Style, Friends, and I hate it. I want to be able to make those decisions on my own. I know what I want to do and what I like to do. However I feel like my family doesn’t know me. Just the other day I said I wanted to pursue a career in Psychology and they were surprised I was even taking that course. AN AP COURSE! My mom tries to influence me to be a businessman or a lawyer but I don’t like either of those jobs nor have the skills and knowledge for them.
This may sound selfish but I really want to go to a well known college that I’ve been dreaming to go to for years. But their reaction to that is, ‘oh, you’re so narrow minded. expand.’. All my life I’ve felt uncomfortable with the things I’ve done-which I’ve confronted my parents about- and I just want to be comfortable with this one. I KNOW the college I’ve chosen is the right one. I’ve been there, I know what it’s like.

I just hate that she is comparing me to other kids saying that it would be a better idea to fo that career than this one. And they are never proud of what I do. EVER. No hug, no I’m proud of you. But why would I want that if I want to be independent? I just want to hear it one last time.
Am I selfish for saying any of this? PLEASE HELP ME

2

You are not selfish, and I think that going to UW-La Crosse sounds like a great idea. Where would your parents like you to go instead?

3

Can your parents afford UW-La Crosse? According to your other thread, you have a 22 ACT and 3.4 GPA. I don’t know if that will make you eligible for many scholarships. Even if you’re awarded outside scholarships, colleges may reduce your aid by a similar about because outside aid reduces need. How much can your parents pay? Do you have schools on your list that are in their price range?

4

You can study psychology and still go into business or go to law school, so make sure your mom knows that. Psychology is a good major for people who want to work in the human resources side of business. You just need really good grades and LSAT score to apply to law school. Your major doesn’t matter for that at all.

5

Are you a HS senior now? Did you get accepted to UW Lacrosse?

6

I think your parents might be a little overbearing at times, but sometimes it helps to listen. Like any good parent, they’re trying to set you up for success. I started out REALLY wanting to go to psychology, and I ended up programming computers and I enjoy it. I must’ve changed my major a dozen times…don’t ask. The point is, you need to go to college with an open mind. Also, your parents have a point. You can’t do much with a psychology degree unless you plan to go to graduate school or become a public school teacher.

If your parents are paying for college, they get a say in where you go. If they want you to go to the university nearby, then that’s where you’re going to go, unless you have a scholarship. You can always claim your independence by getting a part time job and paying your own dorm/apartment expenses. Work it out with your parents. You’ll be fine :slight_smile: