You don't say which country you're in -- Asia is a big place and there's no such thing as Asians, you are all so different city to city, region to region, religion to religion. So it's hard to know just how limited your options are. The fact your parents allowed all three kids to go to university says your life is not nearly as restrictive as many places or families in Asia. But the fact is, no matter where you live, no matter the culture of the region and the culture of your family, everyone does get to choose if they have your resources. You're obviously not the prisoner others are. It's also very possible your parents aren't actually thinking of you the way you have imagined they are -- you have a personality that is all yours, it's not entirely defined by them. We're all born with one that is only ours, and for some of us life is harder than it is for others and we hold ourselves back or have more fear. Most of us here are from the US, and the US was conquered by people just like you -- people who broke away from their tribes and their cultures and came all the way here. Some thrived, some didn't, but all tried. So some of this is within your power -- you can up and leave with nothing and try to make it wherever you want by your own wiles, especially after graduating from any university no matter where. Also, the term smart is used a lot, but smart is often confused with intelligent or motivated. Smart is how much you've learned. Intelligence is how much you're capable of learning, which since nobody can measure accurately is more of an idea that a measurable thing. Motivation is how badly you want something and how much you're willing to do to get it. Which is to say, people everywhere are born trapped in their parents' culture, but many escape it and many don't. That's really and truly up to you. One thing you don't mention is your relationship with your siblings. One became a physician, so she obviously escaped this marriage trap you feel bound to suffer. Your brother is going to Canada -- if you're close to him, that might be a way to get there. But most important, no matter what you end up doing, even if that's staying close to home, your mind is your own. Right now it doesn't seem like it is. You seem hard on yourself, so it's possible you have an anxiety problem or a self-esteem issue that is just your personality. What I'm trying to say is, life is always hard for most of us, but only some of us notice. Only some of us are as motivated as you are to make something different for ourselves. And that can be very hard to do. I did it, but that didn't stop me from ending up on an anxiety forum. The main point is, your life is much more in your control than you are painting it, but it will never be easy. So don't expect it to, and go from there. Right now you're trying to escape a life you don't want by imagining that going far away will help. And it very well might. But it won't make you escape from yourself and the way you think about yourself. You sound to me a lot stronger than the words you use to describe yourself, and your parents are probably not as you're painting them, either, exactly. You've already lifted yourself up. All I can say is, nobody can change the world you have been born into quickly enough to help you any, but you can alter how you think about it, yourself, and if you really want to fight all out, you can just go off on your own and leave. It's a terribly risky way to live, but again, the US was built by such folk. Don't give up, and whatever you do, make the most of it. Things always seem better somewhere else, but everywhere has problems. Life is always hard because humans have a hard time. Knowing that will make you stronger. Fight for what you want. But most important, enjoy whatever turns out, don't make your whole life a regret. It is up to you more than you know. Peace.
Oh boy. Sorry. You are that limbo state of not yet able to be independent but on your way. In a few short years, no one can tell you what to do, ever. The issue with going away to university may come down to something very simple. Money. I know that is a concern for my family. When I went to college, my parents who were helping me pay (loans, I paid and they paid) only allowed me to consider in state schools (schools in the state we lived in). Even if I was getting loans, they only wanted me to look at in state schools because the finances were so much better in state than out. My debt would be significantly less by that choice.
Are You going to have to live at home? Or is living in a dorm or apartment an option? If not this year, is that something you can work towards?
Look at school as a means to an end. End is you having a job that affords a life that you can live without any input or help from your parents. :>)))
I am not going to minimize your feelings! That's legit and you have every right to feel disappointed. And upset that they are 'holding you back'. But unfortunately, this is kind of the point you are at in life in which they have some control over you. Work REALLY hard to get out from under them. And I commend you for pulling your grades and work ethic up! You can do this. Stick to it and get out later. That's all. It just will be a little later. hugs.