My parents want me to go into Law, but I want to become an actor. They are quite strict, and I don't know how to break it to them – what would you advise?

It seems to me that you have a quintessential university-student problem: the undefined familial relationship.  Admit it, you still go home at the holidays with a bag of washing for mum and an expectation that dinner will be ready on the table at 6pm, prompt.  Of course, you’ll be sitting at the same place at the table which has been ‘yours’ since you were eight.  At the same time, you want to be treated like an adult who’s able to make their own decisions. They, on the other hand, still see you as the teenager who needs their guidance, which isn't exactly a war crime, and I’m sure they think they’ve got your best interests at heart.  The thought that a career in Law isn’t the most fantastically thrilling idea in the world to you may not have even crossed their minds.  It’s a time of transition for both you and your parents as you need to develop a more respectful and adult relationship.

I understand that this is a difficult situation for you to find yourself in but you have to be honest with them.  I would suggest you all sit down and have a frank conversation about it.  Clearly, you’re old enough to make your own decisions and this is something you’ve thought a lot about (one would hope).  Equally, you need to understand where your parents are coming from on this one – it will help you have a better informed discussion with them (and prevent things from deteriorating into a shouting match).  Explain it to them carefully – say something like “I haven’t ruled law out as an option, but this is something I feel I have to do first. I think if I don’t try now, I’ll regret it later.”

To be honest: you are also going to have to be pragmatic about this yourself.  Not to sound like a world-weary cynic, but the acting industry is notoriously difficult to break into, and you’ll need luck as well as talent (maybe not even talent – just ask Kristen Stewart).  Perhaps think about setting yourself a time limit to achieve your goal: “If I haven’t achieved X by the time I’m X I’ll look at other options.”  This will show your parents it isn’t a rash, spur of the moment decision. You might be surprised at how supportive they are.  And, you never know, maybe when they see you starring in your first advert for confused.com they’ll reflect that it was all worth it.

Alternatively, if this approach gets you nowhere, threaten to train as a lawyer and sue them for all they’ve got. That might be the healthy encouragement they need to see sense.

To bother Becca, send your questions to confess@varsity.co.uk