Being that I married while still in high school, graduated high school, and then moved from Ohio to Illinois where there is no family and just my husband: a handful of people have doubted or are still doubting me. I guess I can't blame them for doubting my life decisions only because where I'm originally from, Yorkshire, Ohio, it isn't common to be wed in high school already let alone just pick up and leave everyone and everything you've ever known. Well, this is for all the individuals who said I wouldn't make it or still believe that I won't...I'm making it on my own.

For the people who doubted my marriage, we all view marriage in different ways but to me, marriage is beautiful at any age. I find that Austin, my husband, and I are lucky to be living on our own in North Chicago, Illinois and be able to share this new experience together. A handful of people doubt my marriage will even last and who the hell knows? No one truly ever gets married in hopes of a divorce, but so far my marriage is like a typical marriage. We have our battles (because we are both stubborn as hell) but we never stay mad for very long and the positives in our marriage always outweigh the negatives. Just the ability to be able to share all of life's new experiences with my husband makes me so ecstatic because at the ripe ole age of 18, who can say they can do that? I'll tell ya, not a lot of people. For the people who did doubt me for getting married at such a young age, why did you already put an expiration date on my marriage? Although I've only been married for a little over eight months, I am a great wife with an amazing and ornery husband. We did not put an expiration date on our marriage even though we are aware that the odds are against us. Instead we look for the positive moments that are ahead of us and the opportunities that we now have because we are a married couple. For those who doubted my marriage, we are doing great and learning as we go.

For the people who doubted that I will finish college, I just finished my first semester of college and will continue to finish semesters until I successfully reach my Bachelor's degree. Just because I moved away from home and started my young life as a wife does NOT mean that I will not receive a degree and fulfill my dreams. I did not limit myself when I moved away from home and I did not give up my ambitions and passions when I got married. Instead, I now have a huge support team telling me to keep reaching my goals and not give up. I am lucky enough to have my family back at home supporting my goals and dreams but also my own personal coach in my own home. So far, I am a 4.0 student in college and marriage is not holding me back but making me strive harder to achieve the family that I eventually dream of.

For the people who doubted my financial situation, that is really no one's business but I am doing fine without anyone's financial help. Through the move from Ohio to Illinois, college, and living expenses, I am proud to say that I have not asked once for a handout. Being that I married so young, I was not naïve to the fact that I was saying goodbye to my car insurance bill and welcoming in the life of rent, car insurance bills, cell phone bills, college bills, and even more bills. Through the great lessons about finances given to me by my father, financial advise from my husband in the Navy, and just real life experience, my husband and I were able to figure our finances out without asking for help. (Also super proud to say I am collect debt free!)

Unfortunately, individuals do not believe that young people can accomplish their dreams without the help of mommy and daddy in todays age. I do not blame the people who do or did doubt me because honestly, my situation looks like a hot mess at first glance, but also people need to keep an open mind. For only being 18, I have shown that I am mature enough to be on my own and even to be a wife. I know my priorities and understand where they need to be. Of course I did not become this independent and strong woman on my own and have to thank my father for all the meaningful life lessons, but at the same time, I am doing this on my own now. No one is holding my hand and guiding me through this crazy life. I have decided to venture out and dive head first into the world of marriage, careers, finances, and more. Ultimately, I think I'm doing pretty damn fine. So for the ones who doubted me, it's fine because I forgive you and don't even blame you, but I will keep proving you wrong and making you proud.