One of the first things you're asked about upon meeting someone is about your family, and as an adolescent, your parents in particular.

Since the 6th grade, I've had a different experience due to my parents separating when I was 11.

A lot of the time I receive pity and apologies through folks who certainly had no part in it, but what else are they suppose to say? Instead of assuming I've had a tough child hood prior to my parents splitting, they should really applaud my mom and dad for the seamless transition into raising me apart from each other. Sure I had some struggles to overcome, I had to grow up faster than most kids in realizing how fragile life really is.

My parents did their very best in being friends with each other, which allowed for some holidays and time together to still happen. I'm actually so lucky, because a lot of kids in my situation would have had to pick a side, and my parents refused to make that a reality for me.

Sometimes I wouldn't have my mom at a school event because of work, but at least I was taken care of at home. Sometimes I missed having my dad cheering me on from the bleachers, but I knew he was with me in spirit.

I got my drivers license and took myself to doctors appointment so my mom didn't have to leave work.

I was taught how you sometimes have to suck it up and be a big kid and deal with it. I learned how to be independent and make things happen for myself.

I saw just how much you have to commit yourself to something to make it happen, whether it be relationships, grades, or personal goals.

Even though I was doing a lot of things for myself, I never once had to question my parent's love for me. I could have been surrounded by the picture perfect family and situation, while in reality I was suffocating through lack of affection and self-worth that my parents instilled in me.

If my parents hadn't separated, I wouldn't know how to be my own cheerleader. I would look for my achievements to be found in a crowd of applause rather than in my own self. I wouldn't have had the opportunity to get to know each of my parents individually, and become best friends with them like I am now.

I wouldn't know the extent of which they both would do anything for me, including resign any problems with one another in order to best raise me. I grew up to be a strong young adult due to all my experiences and I wouldn't trade my parents for any others or to be in any other situation.

And for everyone who was worried about me, thank you, but I made it.