My parents are two of the hardest working people I know. They work long hours at jobs they sometimes cannot stand to ensure there is a roof over our heads and food on the table. Growing up, we didn't have a ton of money to spend on things like going out to dinner or buying name brand clothing. When I was younger, sometimes that was frustrating, because I would go to school and all of my peers would have the next big electronic or be dressed head-to-toe in name brand, designer clothes. Looking back, I am so glad I didn't have everything handed to me, because I look at those people today and see how much they are struggling with being a real adult.

When I turned 16, I got my first job at McDonalds. My first car was an 8 year old Chevy Cavalier, which I am still driving. When I started working, I became responsible for paying my car insurance, gas, and any frivolous expenses like eating out and going shopping. I was forced to learn the value of money very quickly, because if I went out and spent my paycheck on clothes, then I might not have enough money to buy gas for the week. Being a junior in high school, I knew I needed to start saving up for college as well. So, while some of my friends were given nice, expensive cars on their 16th birthdays and either didn't work or worked a few hours a week, I was going to school and working almost 40 hours a week. At the time, it was exhausting, but now I know it was worth it.

Now that I'm living on my own in college, I'm responsible for a lot more than just car insurance and gas. My parents help me in any way that they can, which I am incredibly thankful for. My rent, utilities, gas, and all the fun expenses that come from living on your own are taken out of my checking account every single month. And not just that, but thousands of dollars in tuition payments are taken out every semester. So, while some of my friends don't have to work and go out all the time because mommy and daddy pay for everything, I work 2 jobs along with going to classes full time. It's not easy, but it's worth it.

Learning the value of money at such an early age is the best life lesson I have ever received. Now that I am on my own, I have to make decisions about what is necessary and what is not every day. I know what it's like to work hard for the things I have, especially the fact that I will have a college education, and graduate with about half of the debt I would have if I took loans out every year. Because I work so hard, I cherish the experiences in life I am able to spend a little money on. When I am actually out and on my own in the real work, I already know what it's like to have to choose between going out with friends or staying in, since I have tuition and rent to pay for. Someday, the rent will turn in the mortgage payments, in the tuition will be for my children. I know that the skills I have learned over the years have prepared me to be successful, and I can thank my parents for that.

So thank you, Mom and Dad. Thank you for not giving in and buying my the latest cell phone, no matter how much of a brat I was being. Thank you for teaching me the value of money, and what is worth the expense, and what is not. Thank you for helping me as much as you do now, and for going to the lengths that you do to make sure I succeed. Thank you for being my support system, and my best friends. I hope someday, I will be half of the parent you guys are. Thank you for making me the person I am today.