How many were 'on their own' early in life?

My parents did not pay a dime for my college... (they really couldn't have afforded to pay much anyway) and I made do with scholarships (one of them ROTC) and part time jobs.

As a result, I did not "enjoy" the same "college experience" that my friends did (nor get the grades that I was capable of), but I did quickly become self reliant.

For my kids I did not want them to have to make the same sort of sacrifices that I had to... I would like them to be able to make more personal choices where I didn't have that chance. BUT in return for that, I also demand a level of effort...because if I'm paying, it should not be pure party time (like it was with a lot of my friends).

In other words, I'd likely be just like your Dad... though maintaining a high GPA would carry a LOT of weight with me... that's why you're there.

My personal advice is to accept the help (and the restrictions) but take full advantage of the choices this opens up for you... otherwise it's a waste of his money and your effort.

Good luck!
Bill

 

I want to talk you OUT of taking up a job. From first hand experience, they (meaning almost everyone) do not care what you are doing in your life as long as you come to work on time, they don't care about your homework your test you have tomorrow or any of that. That makes life very hard, take it form someone who had two jobs and three classes at one point. I evenetually had to quit one because it became the silly season and the hawks went to the super bowl; i just didn't have any time. Pile that on top of karting and not only was i broke but i had to quit everything this spring quarter to focus on school 100%. Whatever you do, do not get a job!! Maintain your GPA and your parents will be happy. It sounds like they are the same as my dad. They don't really want to pay for anything unless they have to and when you succeed no matter if they paid or you, they still bragg about you. Which is very annoying imo. But don't get a job trust me!!!!!

EDIT: one other thing, you have the rest of your life to work and college is about experiencing things.

 

Forced to be on my own since I was 17. Had a car and about a grand to get started. Ate a lot of $1 Jumbo Jacks and Top Ramen when I was 17. In my first year of college, I had to figure out a way to make extra cash on top of my job just to buy a $20 lamp for the room I was renting so I could study at night. My situation was a great motivator for me to do well. The biggest payoff is a lot of mental and emotional growth and a bright future. The fun stuff is an NSX at age 24, home at age 25, and Ferrari 360 at age 29. The sacrifice was a tremendous amount of stress and ridiculous work hours until I was 27.

That's my story which is not much of a sob story compared to my parents who suffered through REAL poverty in another country before coming here.

We all got it pretty damn good here.