okay so im like gonna receive my posting results for junior college/polytechnics tomorrow and heres the thing i really hope that i dont enter a jc because my parents gave me options to either study jc alevel or go aus for their foundation year then straight to university. heres the problem i dont really know whats best for me and i personally feel that i would thrive and be happier in australia doing their foundation year. but my dad thinks that i shouldnt be going iverseas this young and that im still farely dependent on them. so because of that kinda comment its like making me feel that i shouldnt be going to aus to study but on top of that like ive already made up my mind like a month ago that i want to go aus to study but i have no clue how to tell them that thus im really hoping i dont get into a jc but the chances of that are really low right? also how do i open up to themâŠeverytime my mom asks me âso what are your thoughts?â ill js be stumped there and not know how to reply her like the words just cant get out of my mouth and ill just stay silent
this has never been a problem for me until now and i really dont want to study in singapore
Hi @user1718
Thank you for writing in and sharing what you are experiencing. Firstly, letâs acknowledge that you have achieved a milestone in your life by clearing your âOâlevels so well done!
When I read your post, I sense that you are understandably feeling very torn and confused. Your feelings are fully and completely valid given the tough situation you are in. I hope it helps to know that it is totally normal to feel uncertain when making big decisions like this. It sounds like youâre caught between what you feel would be best for you and what your parents believe is best for you, which can make everything even harder to navigate.
Itâs okay to be unsure, and itâs also really understandable that youâre struggling with how to talk to your parents. The fact that youâre considering all your options thoughtfully shows that you care about your future. Your actions also show that you care about your parentsâ opinion and happiness.
I acknowledge it will be tough to do but take baby steps and talk to your parents. What might help is to focus on how you feel about the situation rather than just what you want. Something like, âIâve been thinking a lot about my future, and I believe I would feel more comfortable and happier studying in Australia. I know you may be concerned because Iâm still young, but I feel ready to take this step because itâs something I really want to do for my growth and happiness.â This might make the conversation feel a little less confrontational and more about expressing your own thoughts and feelings.
Also, I can imagine how hard it might be to share these thoughts with them when youâre feeling overwhelmed. But, starting small, even if itâs just a little bit at a time, might help you build up to the bigger conversation. Sometimes opening up is like a gradual process, and itâs okay if it takes time to find the right words.
No matter how things go, trust that youâre taking steps toward what feels right for youâand thatâs a really brave thing to do. You got this! 
hi thanks for your advice and help. i managed to talk to my mom about what i wanted and she took a step back to understand where i was coming from and she totally respects my mental health over my grades and she does hope that i am happy. super grateful for your help else id be stuck regretting my decisison not to speak up sooner
Dear @user1718
I am very heartened to hear you made the decision to speak to your mother although it must have been uncomfortable to do so. You showed a lot of courage and determination and spoke with your heart. Well done! Keep it up!