Medicine wasn't something I wanted to do from a young age but something I stumbled upon recently. I got really interested in learning about human anatomy and my aunt being a doctor, I learnt so much about the field and became more exposed and decided medicine was for me. However, I couldn't apply because my predicted grades were not high enough and my lack of work experience meant I had to wait until I had completed my A levels before applying. When I finally sent my application off, I managed to get an interview. However, just before my interview I had a lot of problems at home with my family and sort of left home and lived around on my own and some friends for several days. I was sort of getting depressed and had anxiety issues. I didn't do too well, though I felt I had tried hard but I was extremely nervous and scared at the interview which contributed to my failure and unfortunately got rejected. I have an offer to study optometry which was a back up choice and it's something I would enjoy doing however not as a long term career. My school is being discouraging about me re-applying and expect me to move on with my offer, my family wants the same, though I couldn't take another gap year because my problems at home are just getting worse and my parents are booting me out soon.
I also realised I have stressed over this situation too much and haven't looked after myself, as a result I have put on a lot of weight. I used to enjoy so many sports, hobbies and music before but now I just don't and only care about getting in to medical school (it's becoming an unhealthy obsession).
My friends have advised me to take up my offer, go to university, enjoy the social scene and such and keep medicine as a long term goal, which is something I'm considering but I really feel if I got another interview now, I would do brilliantly, I would try again now if my family and school were supportive but I don't really have any money or place to go except university.
What do you guys think?