Jerry Said:

Why are my parents so angry over this?

We Answered:

Its called gaining experience.

It is a very GOOD idea to work on ones writing skills outside of mandatory homework assignments, regardless if he wins the prize or not.

Terry Said:

How can I overcome my fear of failure and shyness and get motivation to pursue my dreams?

We Answered:

Wow, so many ambitions and so little time.
I guess that's your main problem. You need to narrow down your possibilities to make a decision of what to do.
I don't think you are a procrastinator, but I believe you give up too easily, when someone is better than yourself (and there will always be one, no matter how good you are)
As everything seems to come easily to you, you never had to deal with persistence and this could be your major problem. As soon as there comes a hurdle (e.g. someone being better, afraid of performing in public) you give up.

You can train yourself to be persistent and you can learn to overcome your fears, too
Make a list of all the things you are good at (yes, all of them and include languages, too)
Put them in order: the ones you like best first.
Out of these choose 2 that you really want and stick with them.
Take your time, give yourself a week or a month to decide. But once you made your decision, follow it through.

By the way, you are 17 years YOUNG and talented - the world is at your feet.
I changed my entire life when I was 30 - not because I was unhappy, but because I didn't want to get stuck in a rut.
I know many people who even started a new life after their retirement. - You are never too old.....

As for overcoming your fears: try EFT, a technique that's easy to learn and to do - and it works wonders.
See web address below

Norman Said:

I need support/help. Is this appropriate?

We Answered:

i think since MJ died, you wouldnt make it far in the contest, lol... try writing something different (; and not about him being accused of child molestation... lol