Should I join National Guard?

I(17M) am currently a senior in high school. I am considering joining the national guard; however, my parents and family members really do not like the idea.

My reason for joining the guard is mainly for the benefits. My mom got into a huge work accident last year (probably won’t be working in the next 1-4 years), and my dad has a very unstable job. Even though my parents already got my college funds ready, I wanted to be independent and pay for my college on my own. Plus I think getting paid to learn a job is a pretty good deal. I took the picat and got a afqt score of 97 and I was thinking of choosing a MOS related to my major in college or one that can easily transfer to civilian side. Additionally I am a eagle scout and I heard that I can start off E-3. Additionally I have always been curious about the army and think that I will better myself physically and mentally . I already got accepted into college, got scholarships, and asked the school about their deferral process. However it will delay my college by one year for bct and ait. My recruiter said earliest for shipping is September and maybe October.

My family thinks that joining the guard will waste one year that can be better used to decide if I like my major and getting into industry earlier. They also think that I wont be able to keep up with my studies after a gap year/not even goto college after. They said that the benefits are short term and that if I really wanted to learn a skill/job I can just double major in college. They said that college will offer more opportunities and think that I am making a mistake by going to army straight out of high school. I am also the first in my family to ever join the army and to them it is a risky path. Also they don’t like the potential dangers of the job.

My family wants me to think it over again and will support my decision. I know what I am getting into(potential deployments and extra weekend drill days).They said that I can join the army anytime but honestly I think now is the perfect time because of current family situation and I currently have no responsibilities(family or job) right now. However I am still a minor and don’t know how the real world works and want others perspective.