Shootah-

My advice to you is to keep aviation in your mind as a possible career choice BUT go to college for something other than aviation. Get a degree in something quantitative like accounting or engineering, not art history or even general management for that matter. While in college NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK, get internships etc in order to get employment after graduation. Go to all the career fairs. Run for student treasurer, etc. Stay on track and try and get your degree in four years. Also bust your butt to keep your GPA high. I really can't stress any of what I just said enough.

Then once your graduate you'll hopefully have a job and will be able to finance your flight training.

Or you can go the military route which is highly competitive but you are young enough and have time to do everything right.

Or if your family has enough money to put you through your ratings, disregard everything I said above and enjoy the ride.

Whatever you do, I wish you the best of luck. Keep the dream of flying in your shirt pocket ready to go but don't bank your life on it.