In high school, I was a top athlete and my life often revolved around school and tennis. This meant that I didn't have much free time to do whatever I wanted, and even when I did have some spare time, my parents were sensible enough to make sure I spent it wisely.

While most of my classmates spent their weekends at lame high school parties, or just chilling all day and being unproductive, mine consisted of tennis tournaments and homework. Of course, when I had a free weekend I'd be asking my parents if I could do "this" and "that" with "so-and-so", but to my dismay, I wasn't always allowed to. At the time, I didn't understand why, but now, as a junior in college, I sit here thankful that my parents said "no" to going out and to doing a lot of things that weren't going to help me with my future. They tested me with responsibility and mindfulness about what I was doing, and who I was doing it with. I could not be any more grateful for the way I was raised, and how it has affected me in college.

To begin with, I was never the type to want to go to parties in high school, or anything like that, but if I did, my parents would have said no - and I don't blame them. How would that have benefitted me? When I saw the pictures that were posted, and my classmates getting into trouble, I often hung out with my amazing family and spent quality time with them on the weekends. Now, as a junior in college, I find myself doing the same thing. Except since I am away from home, I will hang out with my boyfriend or by myself while my other friends are "out". Now that I am a college athlete now, parties still aren't worth the consequences they can bring, and because of the way my parents raised me, I know this, so I don't risk it.

In high school, weeknights meant school nights, and school nights meant homework nights. So after practice ended, I would come home, eat and get right to studying. No, I didn't like it, but it helped me achieve my high GPA, make honor roll, and be disciplined. Now, in college, I am ahead with credits, in two different honor societies, and I have made the Deans List each year. It was hard at first, especially during my freshman year when I didn't have someone constantly telling me to do my homework, but I knew in my gut that I had to do it. And all the late night study sessions at the library have been worth it, thanks to my parents teaching me discipline.

Even with my parents by my side in high school, I still made some mistakes, but most of the time I made the right choices. My parents were always there to give me good parental advice, whether or not it was what I wanted to hear. My parents always had my best interests at heart and this showed in the advice that they gave me over the years. They let me know that I could always count on them, and now in college I still do. I talk to my mom every single day, and I call her when something is wrong. I love calling both my parents on weekends, just to let them know what I've been up to.

I remember when I first got my debit card, and I had to slowly earn money to put into my account. Once I had saved for a while, I just wanted to spend all my money. All I could think about was shopping for clothes, and jewelry, and things that didn't matter, or things that I already had. My dad, who's in the financial business always taught me how to be smart with my money. He taught me to save, save, save, so then every once in a while I could splurge. He taught me to always be making a profit, so I wouldn't end up in a deficit. Now, in college, I work and I get paid. I also pay for my own groceries and food. By having the responsibility to buy my necessities, I have prioritized and budgeted what I can or can't spend each month. I'm so happy my dad taught me how to be smart with my money, or I would have to be asking him for money as a junior in college and let's be honest, he would probably respond with a "no".

So what I'm trying to say is that having parents who really care (some might say call them 'strict parents') in high school has really helped me mold into the responsible woman I am today. My parents taught me everything there is to know, and not once has their advice let me down in college. I know that my parents' way of parenting isn't everybody's, and that's okay, but if you have strict parents, don't forget to thank them. Their ways have definitely helped mold you into who you are today.