Yes, because a simile uses 'like' or 'as' and as of course the sentence contains "as".
Chinese women were taught from an early age that a girl with bound feet was beautiful in a man's eyes. However, this was just a lie that their families and husband used to make them depend on their male counterparts. Bound feet limited a woman's mobility, and that made them unable to move from one place to another with ease, whereas American citizens - in this case, women - cherished autonomy.
Answer:
It could be that they want you to enjoy life while you are still young. They may just want you to go and spend some of your youth being happy doing things other typical teenagers partake in. Parents what their children to enjoy a happy and fulfilled life. Although it is important to have fun it is always good to study as you have been doing. It sounds like you are very devoted and I Hope you achieve your dream! You will succeed but always remember to take time to enjoy yourself. :)
I hope this helps :D