@OP: Massive grats on that man!! My dad was a state trooper for 25 years, so I know what it's like to be around the force. I wish you all the best, especially considering the state of most of the world these days.
I've wanted to be an actor since I was 8 years old. Growing up in a hick town in Louisiana, most people outside my family and 2 best friends all but laughed in my face (because in my hometown, any goals above working at Wal-Mart or fixing cars for a living are nigh unreachable). Too bad I'm too nice to throw "I told you so's" around like festive confetti, because I'm careening towards my dream on a rocket cycle.
I auditioned for a beginner course at the legendary T. Schreiber Studio, which has produced many great actors including Peter Sarsgaard, Maria Bello, and my idol Edward Norton. Instead of the beginner course, I was asked to be one of the dozen people worldwide who were to take part in their first year-long, full time conservatory program. I've also been approached by several prominent managers and agents, including Garrett Hedlund's (Tron: Legacy) and Christina Ricci's (she's been in a lot of stuff).
Remember kids, if someone tells you your dreams are impossible, they're probably a moron!
I'm currently applying to the Canadian Forces army reserve (as I'm still in high school 
