Living Life Without My Parents

My family situation is unique among other student-athletes at Clover Park High School.

My father is a good golfer. He and my stepmom left this past year for Korea, so he could participate in a tournament. I had to stay here so I can finish my high school career and earn my diploma.

Although I miss them, I live with one of my mom's friends and she treats me like her own son. I feel like I'm a part of their family, but since she's a pastor at a church, she's gone most of the time.

I've learned life skills as a result that some high school students take for granted, like cooking myself food and trying to eat healthy.

I talk to my parents about once a month — twice if I get lucky – because of the 16-hour time difference between the U.S. and Korea. Whenever I want to talk to them it's their bed time and vice versa.

My parents send me monthly allowances and I'll occassinally ask them to buy me items from Korea and mail it to me. But I'm still unable to buy the things I always want, since I have to pay for gas, school supplies and more. They are far away, but they still try and help me out.

Managing my finances is challenging, because there are unexpected costs and my parents only give me a certain dollar amount per month. I have to cut back on spending when unexpected things come up.

I'm more conscious of my spending, adding a life skill some students aren't forced to develop. I work hard in school, have to be watchful of my spending and try not to get hurt in soccer because I don't want to go to the hospital.

Keeping my grades up is my strongest focus. I have to encourage myself since my parents are unable to support me, and I have to make tough decisions without their guidance as well.

I always seem to have some sort of stress every single day, with or without sports. I'm sure I'm not the only one that deals with a similar life situation.

My life in high school may be different but I still live it to the fullest. I try not to let anything disrupt my school, and I find time to have a social life, believe it or not.  My life presents an opportunity to mature, perhaps quicker than others, learn from my mistakes and support myself better than others as I grow into being an adult.