Hi- I'm sorry no one responded to you. Most people swear by the kitchen aide mixers, however, it depends on what kind of money you have. A really good mixer is expensive.
I just bought a cuisinart 7 qt 1000 watt mixer and paid $400.00 for it.
Look at what you can afford and go from there
I have a Kitchen-Aid 4 1/2 qt and it is great. I use it at least twice a week. It has good power but is heavy (good motor). Mine has a permanent spot on my kitchen counter. I also have an extra mixing bowl. It's great when I am doing a lot of mixing at one time. Hope this helps. 
I would say start with the Kitchenaid Classic. Look on eBay and Amazon for good deals. Amazon has it for $178 right now with no tax and free shipping (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SGFW/?tag=cakecentral-20). If you don't have a lot of money, and who does these days, but need a mixer, you can get the little Sunbeam, at Wal-mart, for less than $50. It's not going to be a good mixer. I've only used a Sunbeam once but, while it did do the job and met my basic needs, I was unimpressed.
HTH 
I'd definitely recommend a Kitchen Aid, if it's within your means to get one (or your parents). My argument to them, should you put a high-dollar mixer on your wish list for birthdays or Christmas, is that Kitchen Aid has a reputation for lasting for decades. Many of them. So it's an investment in your culinary future... something you'll be able to take with you to culinary school, even. *grin*
But yeah... Kitchen Aid rocks. The stand mixers are pricey, but the hand-held is probably more obtainable for someone your age. You can get one for around $50, and they work just great. (I have both stand and a hand-held KA mixers, and I love them both.) I actually got my hand-held with the help of a coupon from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and a gift card from Mom and Dad. 
Good luck getting one! A good mixer makes all the difference sometimes.
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