For my 17 year old cyber mate

First off girlfriend you do not make life altering decisions while you are hormonal. From one PMS'er to another, it is hard enough trying to decide what to wear or eat, nothing looks good or feels right, nothing sounds good or tastes right, nothing is RIGHT right now.

You are not a senior in highschool full of stress about exams and college and moving out. You are an unschooler who happens to go to a co-op and is surrounded by schoolish people. Do not buy into the hype, you do not have to figure everything out right now before you turn 18.

I realize we are kindred spirits, you were born free and grown up and want to just live your life. Trust me I get it more than you could know.
You do not need college and you do not have to leave the nest if you aren't ready.

Take some time and really figure out what you want to do with your life, what direction are you heading? College may or may not be the answer...

I went to school, I took those tests, I went to college...BFD!
What a waste of precious time.
Unless you know what you want and how to get it, step back and evaluate.

I highly recommend that you read The Teenage Liberation Handbook and read Gatto's letter to his 17 yr old granddaughter. I'll send it to you it's to long to post here.

You have a job, keep working, save your money, buy a car...

Your parents want you to be happy and to find out what you love, what is your passion?

The ball is in your court you decide what move to make. Don't blame others it's your life, you decide which way to go. Your parents will help, I will help, call me or email me if you want...

I remember 17 like it was yesterday, I was totally career oriented and gung ho to get what I wanted...

Things change, life happens, live it now.