I admit it, I'm spoiled.

I have always been a daddy's girl, and have always gotten more than what I needed. But I'm different. I'm not your stereotypical "spoiled kid" who lives completely reliant on my parents to pay my way through school or fund my weekend shenanigans. Although I grew up spoiled, I grew up to be a hard worker. I learned what long hours meant, I learned what budgeting money meant, and I learned to pay my own bills. I worked 40 hour weeks throughout the summer to fill up my gas tank, pay my phone bill, and have money to support my weekend fun. At times I slipped up and spent more than what I needed to, but this helped me learn what reality was. Even though Dad was there if I needed a few extra bucks, I scarcely asked for extra money.

Although I grew up spoiled, I grew up grateful. I grew up to be grateful for the things that were given to me, and the things I had to work hard for. I may have been given a free vehicle and free college, but being debt free straight out of college is the greatest gift my parents could have ever given me. I am grateful that I am capable of seeing just how lucky I truly am, and hope to pass the same morals and values down to my own children.

Although I grew up spoiled, I grew up responsible. I didn't take the things that were given to me for granted. I took care of my belongings, and cherished what I had. Weekly chores were done, homework got finished, and I still worked. Now that I live on my own at college, I can properly manage my time and responsibilities.

Although I grew up spoiled, I grew up independent. Just because I was spoiled, I still was more independent than most people my age. My parents were more flexible when it came to curfews and where I was going on the weekends. They supported me with my job, extracurricular activities, and anything else I was involved in. Because they let me be independent, leaving for school was much easier. I feel as if I can support myself and not have to ask them for much. Because of the encouragement I received from them in the work force, working hard for what I have and earning a paycheck is so much more rewarding and has so much more meaning to me.

Being spoiled as a kid taught me so many life lessons. Just because I was spoiled, I was grateful, independent, and responsible. I stood out from the typical spoiled kids. I didn't gloat about what I had, I didn't ask for more than what I received, and I still worked hard for everything that I earned. I thank my parents every day for the way they raised me. Yes, I was spoiled, but it made me a better person in the end.