Being Self Sufficient

One thing my parents made clear many summers ago was that if I wanted spending money while at school, I would be responsible for coming up with it on my own. As a result, I haven been working all summer, every summer, since I turned 16.

Freshman year I had barely enough money to last until Christmas break. Last year, I made it to the end of March. Both times, my parents gladly loaned me money and I paid them back as soon as I started working for the summer. However, this year, I've made it to the end.

I was very stingy last summer, hardly spending money and putting as much into my savings as I could. I worked at Hollister over my winter and spring breaks, and carefully budgeted my funds all year. This is the first year I won't have to ask them to help me out until the end of the year and I am beyond proud of myself. I have had more than enough to have fun with my friends and support my excessive shopping habit.

I even have a full time summer job lined up for when I get home. I'm really proud of myself for being responsible and self-sufficient, and it gives me hope that when I do graduate in a year, I'll be able to be a fully functioning member of society.

Or as close to that as a person like me can get.