At 17, my parents shoved me into our unfinished basement while my younger brother Daniel got a fully furnished room upstairs. Determined to make the best of it, I worked after school, saving every penny to transform the dingy space into something I could be proud of. With help from my Aunt Teresa, I painted the walls, added rugs, and hung string lights, creating a cozy retreat.

But just when I finished, my parents decided I should pay rent. Despite my frustration, I reluctantly agreed, knowing it would crush my college savings.

Then, a chance encounter changed everything. Aunt Teresa brought her friend Ava, an interior designer, to see my basement. Impressed with my work, Ava offered me a paid internship at her firm, leading to a possible scholarship for college.

My parents’ attitude shifted once they realized the internship was real, but I stayed focused on my goals. With Ava’s guidance, I built a portfolio and applied to top design programs. The day I received a full scholarship to a prestigious school, my parents’ indifference spoke volumes.

While they couldn’t bring themselves to celebrate, I found joy in my success and the support of those who truly cared. I left home, not just for college, but to create a life full of color, creativity, and the kind of family I had always longed for.