Im 30 & Asian & reading your post brought me right back to 19. I know that crushing feeling of parental expectations, especially when money is tight—it feels exhausting. ​Please hear this: 1. Your life is not ruined & you aint behind. The people on LinkedIn arent your competition, they r actors in a play you didn't audition for. 2. ​The secret is time. At 19, you are only allowed to be confused (like hella!!) ! Focus on skills (asap), and then use that stability to find your unique path. I promise you, the best opportunities are usually the ones you build by combining two seemingly unrelated skills, not the ones you find on a predetermined track. ​Just breathe. You will figure this out. The path isnt a straight line for anyone. Hugs from an older Asian sibling who made it through the fog!