LONDON, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- A British survey finds that 10 percent of young people in their late teens would leave school to become famous and 16 percent think they will become famous.
The Learning and Skills Council polled 777 teens aged 16 to 19.
The council said many teens think reality television shows are a ticket to fame and fortune and a way to make money without any skills.
"If making money is the reason a young person wants to become famous, then by staying on in education or training they can significantly increase their future earning power by gaining these essential qualifications," said Ruth Bullen, a council spokeswoman.
While the teens are fascinated by television, their list of top 10 role models included people of varied accomplishment -- such as J.K. Rowling, creator of Harry Potter; Prime Minister Tony Blair; soccer superstar David Beckham; and Stephen Hawking, the scientist and writer.
