Why I am glad my parents cut me off

I should probably explain the situation better before everyone decides to call me crazy. I moved into my off-campus house to prepare for my senior year at Radford University at the beginning of August. I left my summer job at NOVA to allow myself a few weeks off before the most important year of my college career. I had no idea it would be two long months before I found another part-time job.

I have other sources of income: I do virtual work for a Long & Foster agent in Blacksburg and am the managing editor of Radford’s student-run newspaper. While these positions allow me to accumulate enough of a paycheck to pay my Internet and utility bills, they do not allow me any financial freedom otherwise. Times are tough, but being in a town filled with others who are in the same boat as me fuels the fire under my butt to work harder than ever to make ends meet.

My parents have done nothing but encourage and support me during my time at college. They pay a large chunk of my tuition in hopes of lessening my student loans, they stock up on food and supplies to send back with me when I go home for visits, and they always make sure to call me to see how I am doing. For this and much more, I am eternally grateful.

Until recently my parents were also paying my monthly rent to live off campus, my utility bills during the harsh winter months, and sending me spending money for groceries, gas and miscellaneous needs. I was able to live comfortably off someone else’s dime, but I never took it for granted because I knew the sacrifices my family was making to be able to support me financially. So then why am I glad my parents decided to stop sending me money for groceries, gas and other expenses? I can answer that question in one word: Responsibility.

I am and always have been fiercely independent. I do not like asking for help, even in my darkest hour. I believe I can do anything I set my mind to and until recently, I have not been wrong in this. However, the one thing I found I cannot do is budget my money. I attribute this mostly to the fact that it is impossible to save money if you do not even make enough to survive on, but I do not want to place blame. Being cut off has transformed my outlook on finances completely, because the money I expected to be transferred into my account at the beginning of each month to buy groceries is no more, and the funds previously allocated to pay my utilities are now being used to pamper my incredibly deserving mom. I am not bitter -- though I will admit it has taken a few months to get to this point. Now, I am thankful.

I am thankful they chose my last year as an undergraduate to teach me the true meaning of responsibility. While I am constantly worried about how I will pay for my next expense, I know for sure who is responsible for a late or missed payment. While I am constantly stressed about spending too much, I am slowly learning how to budget my paychecks. This newfound responsibility does not mean I do not make mistakes, but it has taught me that when mistakes are made, it is me who is responsible for the consequences. I do not think I would have been able to realize all of these things if it were not for my loving -- and constantly right -- parents. Although I miss the stability of knowing I would have enough money to eat, I have learned to better prioritize things in my life simply because I have no other choice.

I am grateful to have parents that love me enough to cut me off because knowing they can pay for me but wanting to teach me the value of money is something I know they probably struggle with. So here is to my mama and padre for cutting me off and simultaneously teaching me to truly be independent and responsible. Am I adulting right yet?

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FOR THE TARTAN