DEAR ABBY: I am 18 and a high school graduate. I decided to attend an online university and have come to realize that this was a huge mistake. Now I am under extreme pressure from my family to correct the mistake by either getting into a different school or getting a job.
The problem is, I do not wish to attend a university in the U.S.A. I would like to study abroad. Whenever I mention this to my family, they laugh in my face.
My family crushed every dream I've had for as long as I can remember, and I'm asking for advice on how to avoid it this time and find the strength within myself to go against what they want. -- BROKEN DREAMER, SPRINGFIELD, TENN.
DEAR BROKEN DREAMER: Your next step should be to visit your nearest public library and ask the librarian to help you research scholastic scholarships at universities that offer study programs abroad. Perhaps when your family sees how serious you are about it, they will then take you more seriously. Assuming that you have the grades to qualify, you may not need your family's financial help to pursue your dream.