> a good place to air my grievances about life in general [...] Maybe a Counselling Chat Room should be set up....or maybe here would do....
>

There is no problem with discussing general grievances. I realize it's often easier to review such things with "familiar strangers" like us. :-) For real counselling you should consult a trained guidance counsellor, of course. It's also a good idea to talk to people who are working in the kind of disciplines that you think you might like, and who are already following the "lifepaths" which you admire [more on that later].


> I guess the reason I'm writing this is that my problems are all small. Or they feel like that ... My problems kinda fade into significance next to these.
>

Just because a problem seems "small" does not make the experience of it less real. If you have concerns, then they should be addressed. You're correct that talking about such things with others can help provide perspective and balance.


> 1. History. Does anyone study that too? It is so hard and I have coursework that I probably should be doing right now and modular tests that all contribute to the final grade and I have had E's and D's and I need an A. This is because of problem number 2....
>
> 2. Cambridge University. I have a place there to study Art History but need AAAB to go there and everyone knows and will be anxiously awaiting my results in August. Then, if I don't get the results I need, I will have to tell everyone and it will be so hard.
>

I don't have a background in History or Art History, I'm afraid, so I can't say very much there. Perhaps someone else has experience in the field. (I also don't know what the "AAAB" in the UK is.) At the University level, most coursework is fairly difficult and stressful at any time, given the rest of the workload. It's understandable. Tell those who ask that you are trying, and will try, to give it your best shot.

Also, it's good to look ahead and consider secondary and tertiary backup plans in case you don't get the placement you want.

Good luck on getting what you need for your admissions to Cambridge. Wow!


> 3. The Future. Kind of general but it encompasses a whole range of things. Grades, universities, jobs, friends, everything is going to be new and I don't mind telling you that it is more than a little scary.
>

Ah yes, the whole scary schmoo. I call this the "Looking at the Future as a big black cloud hanging over your head." The darkness comes from the uncertainty of not knowing "where" you're going in a new environment, which adds to the anxiety; as well as from fear that either you won't measure up enough to "get there" or, once you DO get there, you might not like where you end up.

I think the best thing to do in reducing the amount of fog you see in the distance, and to bring the future closer into focus, is always to interview the people who have already gone before you. Older people. Graduates who have received their B.A. in the degree program you're considering. Undergraduates who are currently sweating through it. They can establish an idea of what you should avoid. See what kind of jobs they go into, what opportunities are out there. Ask career alumni what kind of background and training turned out to be most useful. For example, perhaps Management Communication courses served as a launchpad for doing consultancy in a fine arts gallery. And of course, by asking around, you can pick up helpful contacts and new friends linked to you by common interests.

I personally think that having role models to look up to, and talk to, is the best way to fill in any gaps of uncertainty that you might have -- because they've already walked the paths in a direction which is still anxiety-provoking to you at this time. They've "seen" the Future through the eyes of the Past. It's wise to try to benefit from the mistakes they've made, and what works, and what doesn't. Arm yourself with foreknowledge. Don't give yourself the cruel and unusual punishment of being left out in the cold to walk the road alone.


> Liz"not neurotic yet but getting that way pretty fast"zie
> xx

Heh. You've simply expressed a reasonable level of concern; it's not neurotic to look at the roadway ahead, and ask how you'll be able to navigate the route and make the turns. Therefore inform yourself and take opportunities as they come. Trying to deal with the Future by putting it off and avoiding it just makes things worse in the long run. It's also woefully unnecessary and unfortunate, because the available resources to help you choose are often just a stone's throw away.

I hope this helps in some small way...

Wolf "And of *course* we'll be here for you, too. That's what good Rinky-dinks are for" spirit