Dear Harlan,

This is my last year of high school, and I can't wait for college. I already know I want to be a lawyer. There is one problem - my mom. She keeps pressuring me into pursuing a career in human services. But plainly and simply, I don't enjoy human services. She keeps saying that I would be good because I have a very nice disposition. In many ways, I can relate to Elle Woods ("Legally Blonde") because we both are told that we don't have what it takes to succeed as lawyers. Every time I tell my mom that I have what it takes to be a lawyer, she just says that I'm not right for it. How can I prove to my mom that I have what it takes and tell her to stop pushing human services at me?

Elle Woods

 

Dear Elle,

How about telling her that she got you thinking and you want to skip college altogether and move to Los Angeles. to become an actress? I guarantee she'll be begging you to become a lawyer. Whatever you do, don't make this about proving her wrong. Focus on proving yourself right. Give your mom permission to tell you how she feels. Then, do what you want. When she says, "It's a mistake," calmly ask her, "Why?" and listen to her answer. When she's done talking, you'll either question your actions or realize she's wrong. To help yourself make the right moves, find people doing what you want to do. Get an internship at a law firm and surround yourself with people who are doing what you want to do and who will believe in you. One last suggestion - when making your video application for Harvard, I wouldn't wear a bikini (I don't think that works in real life).