thanks anita, it is hard trying to find my path in life since i have so many interests especially in science. yet, i am leaning strongly toward gene therapy and going to rutgers or rowan. i’ve also added two more prospective colleges bloomsfield and berkeley as well. sometimes i wish my class rank was higher because it is 25/383 and there are many people who are applying to the same colleges i am with higher class ranks and i feel the strain of competition. i’m glad for your support, it is great to have someone to talk to especially when i feel rushed in life to pick a career and go towards it. sometimes i feel like everyone around me knows where to go and what to do in life and i’m still working on my way. i think at this age my parents really value my education and so do i, but it would be good if i could get out into the real world and experience it more such as take myself on a camping trip and learn how to live independently. i love nature and i yearn for the fact of possibly taking a hike on some hills and working my way to climbing a mountain. it would also be good if i got a part-time job so i could learn what it’s like to work and manage money, but i have to help out at the restaurant and my parents are so focused on my education. i agree with them that education is important, but sometimes i need a break and i need some time out alone in the world to discover myself and my capabilities. i balance education with community service in my life, but usually education comes first. if i have a test, i won’t stay after school to help with breast cancer fundraising no matter how much i want to since i know i have to do well in school and get a good career. after the test, i’ll do some fundraising on my own with permission from my community service teacher.