Amen! I'm finishing up my first year of college, and I can say it's a million times better. I've not once missed high school.

I lost my father at a young age, had an abusive alcoholic step father, then a single mother, and being the only girl out of her three children I became my mother's helper. I got a job at the end of my sophomore year (would have gotten one sooner, but was not old enough) so I could pay for my stuff and not put so much burden on my mom, who had multiple jobs. I paid for my car, my car insurance, my phone bill, and a lot of other things that I own. I also helped a lot around the house, cooked 80% of the meals we ate, did most of the grocery shopping, babysat my little brother, and so on. I was also a really good kid. I didn't touch alcohol until after I graduated, and still have never tried weed or any other drug, and I have still never been to a party. My senior year I was the student body secretary, the president of the honor society, a varsity volleyball player, and the valedictorian. I earned state and university scholarships, filled out all of my college applications and my FAFSA completely by myself. I even signed my first lease for an apartment before my graduation.

Most of my teachers knew this, as did the parents of my friends. Yet I knew nothing about life and wasn't mature enough to make my own decisions. I was so done with everything by time I graduated high school. You really can't win, no matter what you do.

Don't get me wrong. I love and respect my mother so much more than words can describe. I'm so proud of her for working so hard. She's practically my best friend. But I am so glad I'm an adult. It's not easy, but it comes with a lot of freedom. For instance, I have anxiety, and I'm free to cope however I need. If I need to take a personal day or a short weekend trip, I can.

Just hang in there. It will get better!