On My Own

I work at the YMCA here, in child care. On a regular basis, we run into the child whose attitude always screams, "I can do it all by myself!" These kids are exploring their own abilities, testing themselves with new tasks, especially children in the autonomy vs. doubt stage that Erikson proposes. It's completely healthy, for the most part. I see how my children learn from trying things on their own.
I remember as a teenager in high school and middle school the desire to rebel against my parents. I wasn't crazy, but I pushed the envelope from time to time. I figured I was old enough to go out of town without adults, things like that; I didn't need my parents' help anymore. For the most part, I was right. I was fine without my mom to make decisions for me. Now, I'm 20 years old, an hour away from my parents (I know, not that far), in an apartment, with my own financial responsibilities. Let me tell you.... It can certainly be stressful.
Yes, it can be stressful, but! It is so worth it. I am so glad that I have made the decisions that I have, such as moving off campus and getting a job (or 3). I have a built-in support system at school, including my professors and my sisters in Gamma Phi. My professors know if something is stressing me out. They can read people fairly well, but they also listen when I want to complain, and they offer me advice when I need it.
Even without that support, I just am glad that I can be proud of myself for making it. Each semester, when I come out of school without failing or going bankrupt, I give myself a pat on the back. I did it. I successfully got myself through another semester on my own.