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Q: My whole life I've been told and thought I'm stupid. Because I'm not school-book smart. I don't get good grades in the "smart subjects" like science, math and so on. I am so sick of believing this. I'm a different type of smart. I know I can make something of myself.

I am especially good at 3 things; public speaking & reaching out to people, languages (I know 4 different languages and intend on learning several more) and I sympathize, more than anything. People always turn to me because of that, I long to help. More than anything.

I've researched at least a hundred different professions in my attempt to find a major that will equip me with the right tools to help save the innocent from the corrupt and ultimatley change the world. I need a profession that will make me come alive. I have a picture of myself speaking infront of thousands of people, touching their hearts, or working at a homless shelter, somehow helping those who have been used, or anything of that kind. But in BIG levels, it wouldn't mean anything to me as a doctor or anything like that. It's not the kind of thing that would make me come alive, it wouldn't matter to me. I don't want to help one person at a time, I want to help thousands.. at once. I want to do something that would end homelessness and stimulate world peace!

I am compassionate and am able to provide stability in people's lives when they are shaken up. I am 16 years old, female, and more than anything.. I want to do something with my life.

No one believes in me, because I am not suited for the typical "good jobs" I will never have the grades to become a Lawyer, Doctor, Journalist or any of the sort.

Help me, what can I become? And how do I get there?

Thank you so much! And please, don't read this and think "what a dreamer, everyone thinks they'll save the world.. this one doesn't even have good enough grades.. she doesn't even know how to spell" Please, I have enough people thinking that way, if you can't help me, fine. But I'm begging you, don't think like that.
You have had awesome responses already, so I will be brief. There is never one answer to any one question. You have seen that from all the answers and opinions here, but down the road from now if you remember nothing else, remember that. Often we stress out over finding the one perfect person, job or thing that will give meaning to our life. We never find the one, and we pass up the many looking for the one. Why? We think it will be easier to get all the love, money, satisfaction or sense of worth from just one source, but it is not...it is much harder. I am guessing that you are very goal-oriented and focused, much more than those your age typically are. This is going to be crucial in helping you achieve your dreams, as long as your focus does not stay too narrow. We all experience losses and dissapointments in life, so having several options open to you will keep you going positive when the inevitable happens and directions and plans have to change. You have a bright future and I am pleased to know that you will be a giver in life...it truly is more blessed to be someone who heals, loves and gives to others.

Aww, thanks! I'll try - but it really is easier said than done! haha =) I hope you live you life that way too!

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BitsandPieces
"Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person they are almost indistinguishable. To say something you value deeply to another and to have him or her value it equally by listening to it carefully and apppreciatively is the most universal way of exchanging social interest or demonstrating affection." David Augsburger, CARING ENOUGH TO HEAR AND BE HEARD.


All sincere persons will be given thoughtful examination and reply. Please be specific about your situation as it applies to your question, the applicable information and facts necessary for me to properly assess your situation and give you the benefit of my knowledge and experience, which includes: experience/education with mentoring, relationship study, self help, spirituality, poetry, literature, philosophy, psychology, color theory, teaching, parenting, and debate that will be used to your advantage. I am concerned with offering an objective and realistic perspective more than ratings, because this will help YOU. Artificial sweetness is found in diet soda, not in my advice. If you feel that I did not understand your question or need more specifics to help, please let me know, but while all truth is subjective, questioners should be mature enough to hear answers not necessarily agreed with. If you are only looking for someone to tell you just what you want to hear, then you may not be ready for my advice. I believe in personal responsibility, self and other awareness and your power and ability to recreate and redirect your own life. All our misery and joy begins and ends within ourselves, but our willingness to be open can bring the positive or negative energy we seek. If you or someone you know is open to positive help, the resources and caring individuals needed are available now.

http://www.coolnurse.com/

http://www.4woman.gov/violence/

http://www.childhelpusa.org/about/programs-and-services/childhelp-national-child-abuse-hotline-1-800-4-a-child

drug/alcohol abuse help go here: http://www.4drugabuse.com/addiction-treatment.html

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/1800-273-TALK(8255)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With over 120 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential. -----------------------------------

http://www.kidscrisis.com/

http://www.teenadviceonline.org/gethelp/numbers.html

You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, 24 hours a day, free & confidential. 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

For info. on birth control etc.
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

The Girls and Boys Town National Hotline is the only hotline that children and parents can call with any problem at any time:
Open 24-hours a day, every day at 1-800-448-3000

Spanish-speaking counselors available; translation services for 100+ languages

TTY line available for the hearing-impaired at 1-800-448-1833

Counselors can help find services and agencies in the callers' local community

Help at the End of the Line
Callers talk to highly-trained, professional counselors who listen and give "right now" answers. They're sympathetic people who have expertise dealing with these and other problems:

depression

suicide

running away

parenting problems

relationship concerns

physical, sexual, and emotional abuse

chemical dependency

mental health

anger

aggressive behavior

Toll Free
Operated by Father Flanagan's Boys' Home, hotline services are free of charge to every parent and child in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and Canada.

Toll-Free: 1-800-448-3000

http://www.sex-ed101.org/links.html

http://www.anorexicweb.com/anorexicweb.html

Report Child Abuse
Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD TDD: 1-800-2-A-CHILD



--------------------------------
All our motivations stem from two: Love or Fear. When in turmoil or indecision, ask yourself from which of these you are acting. If you want an honest response outside of yourself, you need to first be honest within yourself. Bless you on your journey!

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