Since I was a kid I have always looked toward the future;

Being a high school senior seemed so exciting.

I looked forward to the prom, to the football games,

To being able to drive, to being independent.

 

Now I am 17 years old and I continue to look toward the future.

I have looked at colleges since seventh grade,

I have mentally designed my dorm room,

I dream about who my husband will be, what my family will be like, what career I will have.

 

But this year has been a slap of reality to the face.

Becoming an adult is stressful.

 

I study for hours everyday, trying to maintain good grades.

Driving a car means more responsibility, picking up siblings or groceries or fast food.

I endlessly search for ways to earn money because otherwise going to college is unattainable.

I fight with my parents about money more often than I should.

 

Parents tell you “You can be anything you want to be”

They tell you to “reach for the stars.”

But when you try to reach for those stars,

They tell you that we do not have what it takes to get there.

 

But I am stubborn.

I am not giving up.

 

This year has motivated me to try harder.

I will look for new opportunities whenever I can.

I will work as much as I need to so that I can reach those stars.

I will not just stay on the ground looking up at them.