As a high school student, it is easy to forget how much I depend on my parents. I rarely consider that they have lives outside of my own. Many may find this self-centered or selfish, but as a teenager, it is normal to believe that the world revolves around your whims. It only seems natural for my parents to fund my projects, drive me around, or wait for me to finish after-school activities. However, upon reflection, I’ve come to realize how hard it would be for me to live on my own and pursue a career in creative writing.

Writing is a career that is notorious for not being extremely lucrative. Unless you make it big, or sell some organs on the black market, it is hard to live a relatively nice life in the Bay Area. That isn’t to say it cannot be done. There are plenty of writers who are successful, well- known, and have made a lot of money. Sadly, however, that reality isn’t true for all aspiring writers. For these reasons, I am in the perfect place as a young writer to explore writing to its fullest. This is all because of my parents.

When I really think about this fact, I understand how much I need my parents’ support during these odd teenage years. They save me from the worries of the adult world and its issues. This could easily include having to take care of a child, utilities, food, or possibly another adult human being. My parents’ support allows for me to be able to focus solely on my passion and improve my writing so that I become better at my art. And sure, while parents in some ways can seem overbearing and slightly annoying at times, their effort in helping me with life is invaluable. This time of year forces you to think about all the things we have to be thankful for, and this was at the top of my list.