Young man your enthusiasm is what you will need to get you through in a career like this. My 18 year old son got his private certificate just before his birthday. He will finish high school and go to a local Jr. college and work part time to pay for hour-building and other certificates . . He will then go to our state college and get his B.A. to be competitive. This is the most efficient course and least expensive. I don’t recommend anyone go to the major aviation colleges because of the considerable expense and single subject matter that you end up with after college. I have mentored more that a dozen guys in the past and feel free to write me or leave me a note.