I volunteer at a high school that has an aviation program, and here is what I tell the kids there:

1. Get your education first and foremost! Keep your grades up, don't let them slip. Grades may not seem important, but I can tell you, I'm being asked what my GPA is on job applications. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean High School GPA, but it follows through to college. A college degree is not just important, it's mandatory. Sure there are guys in these forums who don't have a four year degree and are doing quite well in civilian aviation, but that time is about to come to an end. It's no longer enough to just have a High School diploma, a four year degree is the new standard.

2. Volunteer! Volunteer in your community, volunteer at your school, give back. Why? Well, not only do you personally get satisfaction from helping others out, but you also get to learn and network. Remember that word "network".

3. Get involved! Join French Club, join Science Club, join Drama Club, join something. Don't just sit inside playing playstation all day. Colleges and employers want to see a "well rounded individual". The more interests you have outside of aviation, the more developed and diverse your personality becomes, the more people want to know you and know of you.

You'll notice I haven't said anything about flying, aviation or airplanes yet. I didn't go the civilian route, I went into the Air Force, they taught me how to fly. Some of the BEST training in the world, if not the BEST aviation training you can receive, and the Air Force pays you while you're learning. Aviation colleges are great, but expensive and the first thing that will keep you from an aviation career is debt. Most colleges have a ROTC detachment, and you cannot become a military pilot without a college degree. Or, there's always the Air Force Academy or the Navy Academy. The military isn't for everyone and once they train you up, you'll owe them ten years of commitment, but it can't be beat for experience and training.

But, rather than try to sell you on the military, go back to my first three steps and reread them. If you do that, you'll develop the interpersonal skills, the devotion and the discipline to become a pilot. Becoming a pilot is hard work, it's not for everyone, but it sounds like you got a good head on your shoulders and are starting on your way. There's going to be a lot of obstacles, roadblocks and adversity in your path, but hard work, optimism and dedication can get you through.

Good luck!