DEAR ABBY: I am 16 and very sad. I started my own advice column at school and received tons of letters asking for help. The reason I did it is because I plan on becoming a psychologist when I'm an adult.
Every time I mention my column or my future plans, my family and friends laugh and think it's funny. A friend of my mother's told me that there's no way I could know at this point in my life what profession I want.
Abby, what should I do about people who have so little faith in me? Should I listen to them or try to brush off their remarks? Please help. -- SAD GIRL ON THE EASTERN SEABOARD
DEAR SAD GIRL: Tune them out. A child who knows what she (or he) wants to do at an early age is fortunate. It's called goal-setting, and many successful people have set their eyes on a goal early in their lives.
That said, it's important that you get a solid education in order to realize your dream. Talk to a school counselor to make sure you are taking the courses you need to get into a good college. Do not let yourself be dissuaded by doubters. Your goal is a noble one.