By the time I turned 15, I already had my heart set on driving my very own car when I turned 16. My parents told me that if I wanted something badly, I had to work for it. So at the young age of 15, I joined the workforce, and I have pretty much been working ever since.

I have worked almost every job imaginable. Fast food, serving, tutoring, retail, summer camp...the list goes on and on. I don't resent anyone for it. I'm not bitter. In fact, I'm very grateful that my parents taught me to work hard for the things I want.

Honestly, I feel sorry for people who are in college and have never had a job. They are not going to be prepared for the workforce once they graduate. My jobs have honestly taught me more life skills than any college class or club ever could. I know how to be respectful to bosses I don't like, and I know how to be grateful for good bosses.

I know how to get along with people of all ages and backgrounds. I know how to ace a job interview. I know how to present myself as a professional in a variety of work settings. I know how to juggle school and work. When I graduate, I will graduate with real-world skills and experiences.

Also, I feel bad for anyone who doesn't know the joy of spending money that they earned by themselves. You never have to feel guilty for your purchases, you don't have to ask anyone's permission. You can order that ridiculous overpriced swimsuit online and no one can say anything about it.

I have had the chance to gain experience at jobs within my field before I graduate. If I hadn't been cultivating my skills in the workforce since I was 15, I would have never been able to land a position in my field at age 21. I now will be entering the workforce with a very strong resume packed full of real-life work experience.

My parents have given me the gift of learning how to work for my money and pay bills, while I'm still young enough to fall back on them if I mess up. They have supported me every step of the way, and have always helped me out when I needed it. I am so grateful that they instilled a strong work ethic in me from the time I was young. Without it, I would have never gotten this far.