During my freshman year of college, I lived at home with my parents instead of on my own or in a dorm. I was fine with it for the most part. I am a fairly introverted person so being able to go home to my comfortable and familiar bedroom at the end of the day was nice, and best part, I didn't have to share my space with a stranger. My unofficial goal was always to move out of my parents' house before my junior year. That plan went out the door when between the summer of my freshman and sophomore year I saw a Facebook post with a picture of an apartment and a caption looking for tenants, ASAP.

At first, I figured there's no way I could possibly move out with almost no preparation, but I asked a friend if he wanted to check it out anyway, and after crunching some numbers, I decided I could make it work. I talked to my parents about it, and while they weren't as sure of my financial stability as I was, they agreed that I could lease the apartment. I did not move across the state or country, in fact, I moved only about half of a mile away from home. But that gave me the independence that the shy 19 year-old me needed.

This article is a thank you to them for my independence. I could have spent all four years of college living at home to save money, but when I made the impromptu decision to move out, they supported me. I would not have been able to do it without them.

The transition from living at home to living on my own was a whirlwind of stress and purchases and ecstatic feelings on my end. I know that it must have been hard for them to let their eldest child leave on such short notice, but it probably helped that I was only going half of a mile away. My parents helped me figure out everything my roommate and I would need to get for the new place, and when it came time to move they helped with that as well. They give me life advice as I make my way in this world and it helps that I can go over to their house anytime to see them.

I work hard to be able to afford my independence. I work two jobs so I can pay my bills and live my life the way I want to. So far, I've managed to get by successfully, but they have always offered their house as a backup in case someday I decide that I am unable to live on my own anymore, and for that, I am grateful.

Being independent has allowed me to change and grow in countless ways, and I am glad I was able to move out when I did, because it made me who I am today.

Thanks Mom and Dad, you're the best.