I know what it's like to be 17 and ruled by your parents. I say, take advantage of it. America has this obsession with being independent as soon as possible. In a lot of countries, kids don't even leave the house. It's because getting a a new house is a liability. America is also obsessed with debt. I say, do as your parents say and graduate with zero debt, and then move out when you get that first career. Take advantage of the head start. So many people your age rack up huge amounts of debt before their first careers. No sense moving out now and taking on massive student loans, getting into credit card debt, etc. I don't care what you say, you are not going to be responsible with money and debt yet. The school systems do not teach financial responsibility, building credit, dealing with debt, taxes, business acumen, etc in high school. You know, real world knowledge. America's school systems are a joke. This is why people in America between the ages of 18-24 have MASSIVE debt. They had no idea what the fvck they were doing with money and screwed up their credit before the prime of their lives.
Don't let people guilt trip you to be independent right now. 18 is just an arbitrary number. Whether you are ready for the real world is a state of mind. You also need some life experience. You are still a kid and you are right, your parents chose to have you. They are not obligated to pay for your college but if the offer is there, it would be stupid not to take it. When you take your Business 101 class, you will understand everything I am saying. It is foolish not to take the free ride to college.
