Dear Anne
I have a big problem with my parents. I want to go to America for one year but they didn' support me, so I wanted to get some money to pay for it by myself. However, it hasn't worked out and I was very sad. My parents thought that it was just joke and that my dream isn't so important. What could I do to show them that it's really important for me to see the world and to come out of my little village? Barbara
Dear Barbara
I'm sorry that you're feeling your parents haven't taken your dream seriously so far. However, you now have two choices, don't you? Either you can give up your dream and just settle quietly in your little village. Or you yourself can take your dream seriously. This may mean you have a long job ahead of you. It may take you years to work and save to make your dream come true. Perhaps you'll have to work out how to take some qualifications so that you can get the sort of job which will pay well enough to save up fairly quickly. And, of course, you'll have to set aside a large part of your earnings in a savings account where it can grow. A proportion of any pocket money or Christmas or birthday gifts can help too.
Talking means nothing without actions to back it up. Only by showing that you really want your dream to come true can you convince your parents of this. If you don't make your urge to work in the States important in your life, how are they to know how much it means to you? If you don't show you're dedicated to your goal, how can they see you're in earnest?
And here's another thought. If you are to go and live and work abroad, you'll have to stand on your own two feet and your loving parents will be worried that you can't do this. By working hard to achieve your ambition where they can see you, you'll earn their respect and they'll be able to feel secure in the knowledge that you can look after yourself.
There is no instant solution. Arguing, shouting and sulking won't work. Besides, they'll spoil the time you do have with your parents. You might as well enjoy your wait because it could be a long one. But other people have made the American dream come true for themselves. Like them you can have success if you care enough. I hope you do. Good luck, Barbara!
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