Wow, I think you are better off learning this now instead of later. Why would a friend argue with you about a pet choice? Why would a friend think so lowly of you they would be offended you have an opinion unlike their own?

>I'm looking to see if there is ANYONE who has a success story from a similarly shitty position.

I spent 5 years in highschool, then flunked out of college for 6 years from 20-26. Went to a new college at 28 and maintained a 4.0 until my last semester, where I made a single B. The main thing for me was realizing no one was coming to save me. It had to be my decision to do better, it had to be me making the decisions that were in my best interest. I'm not a doctor, but I did get a very in demand degree and have had zero issues finding employment. In fact I have been employed in my field since I was back in school, have had no issue maintaining a job, and I just hit six digits this year.

I never thought I was going to be anything growing up. I should very much be employed at a fast food or department store chain right now based off of what I did with my 20s. If I can do that, you can probably become a doctor if it's truly what you want.

word tattoos are silly.