Do what you want to do. Take some time to figure out what you like doing and why you like it. Try making some music or art before you commit to making that your life. Try writing a song or painting or drawing something. Go sing at an open mic somewhere, go to some concerts, go to an art gallery. Surround yourself and immerse yourself with it and see if its really what you have a passion for. And if it is, then take some time and decide how you want to do it.

I agree with you as well that intelligence, learning, and knowledge is one of the most important things you can strive for. But make sure that you are committed to going to college before you do it. Not just because it’s a lot of work, but because if you go into college with the mindset that you should be a doctor (or any other specific career), you may miss out on the pure joy and importance of learning.

I graduated from college 2 years ago and I can tell you, if there is one regret I have from my years there, it is that I spent too much time worrying about finishing assignments and passing tests than actually learning the material. If I had spent more time understanding and listening to my professors and peers, I would have learned so much more than I did just trying to pass tests, graduate and earn myself a piece of paper saying what I can do.

These two paths that you have for yourself are both wonderful opportunities and fantastic passions to have. But before you decide on one, take time to figure out why you want to do them and how they will fulfill your life. You will have ups and downs either way, and I’m sure you will do well with either one. Just don’t rush the decision. Take time to think it through first, and you will do well.