Expert: Kitty Kavey - 11/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: i know. i wanted to tell my mom. it took a long time to tell her i wanted to become an animal cop ( long story) and she ended up liking the idea. but i dont know how she will react to this. plz give me some advice on this. and thansk for the answer. it really helped

ANSWER: The nice thing about being young, is that it is much easier to explore many different interests before it becomes necessary to pay rent or a mortgage and take care of children of your own.  

Modeling, and even acting and voiceover, can be done in addition to other obligations (such as school or another type of job.)  It's possible you could pursue your interest in the entertainment/modeling industry, and still tailor your other studies to best prepare you for another career like working with animal law enforcement.

And if in another couple of years you discover something else that appeals to you, that's okay too.  You can use your free time to try all types of activities and explore your interests fully so that when the time comes to choose a necessary course of study at university level, you will have an idea then of what appeals to you most.

Perhaps it will be going to a police academy, or working your way up through the Humane Society, or you'll be in a film, on Broadway, or modeling - or perhaps you'll find something else that fulfills you.  The point is, you can use the time you have now to pursue what you wish, and if/when you decide you want to go after something else - that's fine too.

I know whatever you decide to do, you will put your heart and soul into it.  Just remember that so long as you are only responsible for yourself, you have the freedom to choose to try many different careers.  Education is never a waste, and if you go through acting school, animal police school, or simply learn business and money management (always good for models), you will have skills that you can take with you into many different types of careers.

You have plenty of time ahead of you, and I know you'll do well at whatever you choose to do.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: yea yea i know. but can YOU GIVE ME WAYS to tell my mom i want to be a model? yes or no

ANSWER: You probably already know what works best with your mom - but I can give you one way that has worked with other people's parents, and maybe you can adapt it to suit your mother if that's appropriate.

Sometimes people are resistant to a situation (or in this case an occupation) that they know little about.  There are many books written about all the different types of modeling work, as well as agency directories available (free) in your local library, or at bookstores and online.

If your mother understands that you have done the research both about modeling, as well as have looked into which agencies might work best for you, and you can help her understand that you have a plan to follow, she may feel more comfortable supporting you.

Let her read the same information that you have, learn about the industry as you have, and she should feel more secure that not only do you know what you're getting into, but you will be informed enough to avoid any potential scams or otherwise bad situations.

Most of the time when a family member objects or tries to warn you about doing something, it is because they love you and they don't want anything bad to happen to you.  And sometimes their objections are good ones.  An example might be that they are concerned that you will be able to handle both school and work at the same time.  

If you already know what your mother's objections might be, then you have time to prepare a good answer that will help her understand that you've given it a lot of thought, and you have a possible solution.  Otherwise, you can tell her what it is you want to do, and ask her if she'd be willing to support you in following this dream.

If she has objections, listen to them carefully.  If it's something that you can't do anything about (like "you're too young") then it will be difficult to work through that other than by waiting a year or so.  If it's something like her being concerned that you can handle both work and school, then perhaps you can offer a compromise - make a deal that as long as you keep your grades up to a certain level, she'll support you with modeling.  If your grades drop below a certain level, then you agree to only focus on school and not pursue modeling until your grades are back up.

Most parents are willing to be supportive, if you can figure out how they will be able to worry less about you.  And actions speak louder than words - if you can show her that you are ready for this, that you are able to be responsible on your end (perhaps with school/grades, chores or something else) then there's a good chance she'll be willing to help you pursue your dreams.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank u. ur alot of help. theres one more problem. my grandpa. he loves to start drama. how can i calm him down and if he doesnt can i dropkick him?

Answer
Grandfather's are another type of person to deal with altogether - but if you get your mother's support, maybe she can help you deal with your grandfather.  There will always be things you want to do/try in life that other people won't agree with, and drama is part of life.

Sometimes, if you meet drama with more drama, the situation only becomes worse.  Of course you know your grandfather and I don't - but figuring out how to defuse the situation is a good skill you can take with you throughout your life.  There will be friends, business acquaintances and your family in your future, and there will always be difficult people you'll need to deal with.

Modeling and acting are occupations where it is usual to deal with rejection all the time.  You either can let things like that bother you, on focus on what you can do to continue down your chosen path happily.  Same thing with family; you can let comments or insults affect you deeply, or listen and decide they aren't correct in whatever they are saying, and go on about your business.

Focus on doing what makes you happy, preparing for the future you envision, and try and see the positive side of bad situations.

Good luck to you.
~Kitty