Being on your own may seem lonely, but it can force you to deal with some very important issues. While some of my friends were totally comfortable, being supported by their parents and not having to worry about rent, groceries, or gas, I was forced to deal with being on my own — and therefore, my fear of having nothing. I had to work to support myself, had to learn from my mistakes, and had to learn how to communicate. It wasn’t easy; in fact, it was tough. But it shaped my attitudes and my convictions, and I am where I am today because of it.
In this photo: Jillian at age 17