If I would want to become a neonatologist?

I really want to become an actress, it's my DREAM! But...?

• I know, every girl wishes to be on T.V., etc, etc. The thing is, yes i want to be on T.V, because that means that you have a successful career. I just finished watching some shows on Disney Channel, and some of this kids on there are so young, and some are even my age! They are very good and such, and I feel like I am good as well. I have had NO formal training, and I have been in 3 plays. 1 was mandatory but the other 2, I CHOSE to do. I have been Gracie Meredith Wilson's the Music Man. I AM VERY DEDICATED TO THIS CRAFT and sometimes I don't feel like I'll make it so i just think i won't. and i just move "on". Lately, I have been striking things on the piano so that I might become a singer or something and bounce off to an actress. I have told me mom once before that I wanted to become an actress and she acted negatively. She said my chances are very slim and that I will end up busting tables and waiting for a big break. She doesn't understand that SHE NEEDS to support me and be there for me in order for me to be successful in the business. I really love to perform and I asked my mom before If i could go to an acting camp because its good to be around other kids like you and there would be good experiences. NOPE! She tells me that I am already musically inclined and such and I don't need any of that "junk." ITS NOT JUNK! :P My sister teases me and she says, "But she thinks she can sing! Sing for us!" "At least I'm not in the DRAMA club!!!!" My parents and my siblings are not into the performing arts thing, they want to become dentists and doctors and teacher and I see that makes my parents VERY happy to see THEY are on the "right track" It irritates me and I really want to pursue my dream. My parents are very traditional and they demand things. I am often scared to mention things to them because they might yell at me and I don't want to make my parents mad and not respect them. We also live far away from Hollywood (still in the U.S.) Sometimes I just want to run away and become an actress. My parents refuse and they say I have better things to do in my life. What if I don't want BETTER THINGS? Maybe I just want to live my dream! We only have one life! Please help me! :D

• Answer:

  Well, if this is what you really want then you need to prove to them how much you love it by pursuing other performing arts opportunities. Get involved at everything theatre at school, do community theatre, participate in local classes learn your craft and have fun doing it. Not only does this help you as an actress, but it also proves your dedication. Actions speaks louder than words. And when you have open classes or productions make sure they come to see and see that you are talented. Pursue your dreams and go to college for theatre! Maybe take courses or minor or what not in something else if they are adamant, but never let them control your dreams. Talk to them about it, and calmly explain that you want to prove your dedication to them and that you want to participate in more theatre. Really explain it to them. The most commonly words of advice actors or teachers ever give me is: You do it because you can't imagine yourself doing anything else, and it makes you happy. And if it's your passion then you not pursuing it would be a waste! So don't give up :)