I need help. I received an invitation for an MIT visit. However, my parents are refusing to sign some papers for me that asks for their financial information. My parents do not want me going out of state for college.

Instead, they are hoping that I will stay home, or find an apartment nearby, and go to a local community college. I wish to be an engineer, and I know that I can get into a better school. My mom thinks that I should start with a small career, such as photography or maybe as a hairstylist, and once a have enough money she thinks I should go on to a “real” college. I have to interest in photography, or much less being a hairstylist. Not that those are bad jobs or anything.

My interest lies within math and science. I get straight A’s in school, yet my parents seem to not acknowledge any of my accomplishments. I would say that I’m a good daughter, good grades, well behaved, no drugs, no alcohol. My mom still tells me how I'm a pig, and how I’ll never get married, and my dad always tells me I don’t know anything.

The MIT experience would be an amazing opportunity. I just wish my parents would realize what I can accomplish, and in result support me in what I do. How can I convince them that this isn’t just anything?