Encouragement please? :)

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So I'm about to embark upon A Levels, and afterwards want to end up in a 'caring' role, like social worker, doctor, nurse, pharmacist, paramedic, etc.

I am edging towards a medical degree, but it's VERY difficult to get into, so I'd be going the graduate-entry route. Thing is, I know I can do it, and I know I can fill the requirements. However, to get advice on things like this I'm a member of a student forum, which is full of showing off, competitiveness, brainboxes, rowdy behaviour and put-downs, amongst all the useful information. So seeing people like that (who I think are obviously better than me and are going to get the places anyway so I shouldn't bother trying in the first place), I get nervous and disheartened...

Sorry if that sounded weird, but this forum is a little (lot!) kinder than that... Kind words of encouragement please?

It doesn't sound to me as though they're "obviously better than (you)". It sounds as if they're either unsure, and trying to keep their spirits up, or else the sort of cocky idiots who think they know more than they do and sooner or later run into the 'ignorance barrier'.

On the other hand, you sound as though you have a pretty stable grip on what you do know. That's a good thing to have. You know you need to work, and learn. You aren't wasting your time and energy showing off, competing, or putting anyone else down. So you're probably ahead of many of them. Oh, and in any of the caring professions, your personality will make you a natural at actually helping people, instead of simply getting paid for pretending to help them. (I've had more than my share of bad experiences with cocky doctors, dentists, etc. - the ones who aren't are a rare treasure.) So I say go for it, and good luck!

Dear Kittie,

you are a smart, and talented person. You're capable of this and many other adventures!

The world needs caring individuals in these helping roles, and they do not all have to be extroverted! I can imagine an AS taking great care in these roles, and being very comforting to individuals when they are hurting.

Congrats to you on pushing yourself to try!
Let us know how it goes!

How many people drop out of graduate school because they can't do it? I don't know of any. The primary cause for that is not a lack of ability, but a lack of willpower. Anyone can get a degree. Not everyone wants to put in the effort for it though.

Don't give up and take the easy route, and you'll get there eventually.

I'm in the medical profession, and I'm no extrovert! Remember that people who brag a lot want you think they're "so much better" than you are...doesn't mean they are in reality! Hang in there and keep trying...I'm glad I did

~Kate

Lives you help (or save) mean way more than the bad vibes from classmates. Stick with it and don't let other peoples' attitudes bother you. For all the hard work that you face here and later, I feel you will end up the best kittie that you imagine for yourself [1].

[1] That last sentence sounds weird, but I still mean it.

Doctor, pharmacist, nurse, social worker ... try for this all in that order. Personally I'd suggest pharmacist (unless you really want to be a doctor) because it has comfortable hours, excellent pay and its always on demand. Social workers and nurses have bad hours, not so good pay and have a very high burn-out rate. Doctor has excellent pay but very bad hours and its high stress...its truly a vocation (to other's health or money..your choice ).

You can and will achieve it. Remember its academic excellence that will get you the post not the words and actions of those who you compete against.

Wow, thankyou so much. You've no idea how much you've all helped me...

Probably going to forever bookmark this for whenever I feel disheartened in the future.

Some of the people who think they know it all actually do, but a lot of them do not.

If someone impresses you with their knowledge or intelligence, they're probably worth listening to.

If all they do is try to come off as smart or put people down to make themselves feel good, they aren't worth paying attention to at all.

From the description, I think that forum probably has some smart people, but mixed in with lots of posers and jerks. Don't let them get you down.