Studying My Study Plan for Physics: 17 Years Old from South Africa

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A 17-year-old student from South Africa is seeking advice on pursuing a career in physics, with a long-term goal of obtaining a PhD and specializing in quantum mechanics. The student plans to study BSc Physics at the University of Pretoria and aims to conduct research that intersects physics and computer science, particularly in quantum computing. They express a desire to work for companies like Intel or AMD or potentially become a university professor, despite parental concerns about this career path. The discussion also touches on the potential for high earnings in academia for exceptional individuals and the importance of pursuing one's passion in the field of physics. Additionally, the student seeks recommendations for books to prepare for their BSc Physics studies.
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Hi all,
I'm a 17 year old student from South Africa and I have a few questions about how/where to study physics. I also really like computers and how they work and I also love programming.

First of all my long term goal is to eventually get my phd in physics.

I want to go study my bsc physics at the university of pretoria and get my honors as well. After that I want to study further and somewhere along the line I want to specialize in quantum mechanics. That's assuming that they allow you to specialize.

My goal is to one day do research in quantum mechanics and somehow apply that to quantum computers, because that's the only place I saw an intersection between physics and computer science, but it would mostly be physics. I don't know who would hire someone in that field, maybe Intel or AMD. But I would also not mind working at a university.

Is this a plausible plan for studying and career ? I don't really care about making lots of money, I just want to do physics and learn new stuff and maybe even discover something new.

EDIT: just a small side question, are there any books you would recommend for someone going to do bsc Physics ?
 
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I also thought I could become a professor. My parents don't really like the idea but screw them. It's my life.
 
don't say 'screw them'...
If you use knowledge and strategy, you might become a good professor.
You can earn lots of money (like $400,000 per year for the person I perceive as the world's top mathematician.
Note that if you are extraordinary you earn much more than ordinary professors.
I am confident that a person can become extraordinary using knowledge and strategy.
http://calnewport.com/blog/
 
Screw them might be harsh but they tell me to do what I love no matter what and when I tell them what I want to do they don't approve. It's just that hypocrisy that is a bit annoying, but In the meantime it seems that they have accepted that I want to study physics.
 

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