Dear Mom and Dad,

I’m sorry.
I’m sorry I haven’t and won’t live up to your expectations for me.
I’m sorry I’ve been so much added stress on your life.
I’m sorry you don’t like my friends.
I’m sorry you disagree with the decisions I’ve made.
I’m sorry I don’t follow all the rules.
I’m sorry I’m not what you wanted.
But I will never truly be sorry. Because I like who I am. 

I might not meet your expectations but I’m damn proud of who I am and what I’ve endured to get here.

The only reason I’m added stress is because you chose to think so low of me. You only take time to notice my flaws and mistakes. So maybe if you tried to pay attention to my success, you would realize I succeed more than I fail.

My friends, the ones you think are “bad influences”, are the reason I’m still breathing. Without them, I’d be fucking lost. If anything, you should be thanking them; they make living with you tolerable.

Look, I know I’ve fucked up in the past, but it’s my life and I control what happens. So stop trying to hold the pen: this is my story and only I can write it.

Rachel, age 16