"My parents...suck". Wow, now, I am sure I have said somethings about my parents, but, to say they 'suck'? No, I don't think so. It sounds bad. It sounds disrespectful. It sounds less than mature.

As to getting good grades..maybe your parents (and some of the other teenagers that posted) KNOW you can do better. WANT you to do better, and are trying to encourage you to do better. I know I totally underapplied myself in school. My parents didn't necessarily restrict me, but, they weren't pleased. I KNOW what I said when I was that age. In reflection, I KNOW I wasn't really giving it my all.

And, frankly, some things in life are harder for me than others. I still struggle with math, and am fortunate enough not to have to use it too much as an attorney. But, I am very glad I went through the paces.

And, while I think betting and gambling are fine pastimes in places like at the card table, or in Vegas, anyone of you teenagers in high school today are REALLY betting alot on your life if you don't think at least a 4 year degree is mandatory. Sure, we all know someone that made it without. But, that is a serious gamble. It isn't just the additional education, but, the exposure to people from many walks of life, outside your neighborhood, by teachers from all over the world, often, with unique views that you just don't find outside of a university environment. You will most always get the short end of the stick when up against a college grad, in most professions. You may cry, "that is so unfair". Well, that is life. I wouldn't hire anyone without a four year degree.

My 7 years of 'extra' education don't = huge house, BMW, lavious vacations. They = a decent atmosphere in the workplace, a decent car, a decent house, benefits, and the ability to pick and choose what I do with my life. My education had little to do with large salaries, and everything to do with pushing myself to make the most out of my life. Because of my education, I had the ability to secure a job making decent money, raise 7 cats, contribute to various pet charities, and raise Jonah on my own.

Anyone of you teenagers that want support, encouragement, advise, help with anything educational, I would do nearly anything to help you. I feel education is that important, especially for the females. It doesn't make us = to men in the workplace, but, it makes the gap smaller.