Newly Independent and Struggling/Having Perspective

Although I struggle with balancing school, my social life, work, and rent, the biggest thing I struggle with is putting things into perspective. Looking at the lives of those in my high school graduating class, I'm the only one who is living on my own, going to school full time, and working enough to maintain themself. I fear coming across as judgmental or as a braggart so much that I fail to see just how well I am doing. I worked my ass off in high school in order to have enough savings to have fun during my first few months in university and get a kickass apartment near campus. And yes, I do struggle with maintaining my grades and not cramming and saving money and other adult things, but I'm also not yet fully an "adult." I'm 19, and I have time to figure it all out. I may have "adult" responsibilities, but my newfound total independence as a teenager means there's going to be a learning curve. I gotta be patient with myself. I may have unproductive days, but I certainly do not have an unproductive life. 

Plus, even though my parents do not support me financially, they do support me emotionally. I am loved no matter how things turn out. 

Regardless of your age and where you're at, try to find reasons to be proud of yourself. Find people who love you regardless of how things turn out. You've got this.