I joined the U.S. Army at 17 and turned wrenches on AH-1S Cobras until I got into Warrant Officer Flight School about 18 months later.
Best period of my life flying the Huey and -58 in a West Germany with the Russians just a couple of km behind the fence.
But in hindsight, no one should give a helicopter to a 19 year old, there are way too many opportunities to do silly things and have all kinds of unauthorized fun.
I only flew helos for 5 years as I entered the USAF and flew jets until I had my 20. After another 13 years of flying the Gulfstream 550, I have a chance to change jobs where I can fly a Bell 407 in addition to the 550.
I am going to give it serious thought as I have always missed the real flying that only helicopters can give you.
I agree 1000%, go for your dreams. I also didn't want to be that guy who is in his rocking chair and regretted a career choice.