Teen Struggles with College Dreams vs. Sibling Responsibilities

Imagine being a 17-year-old girl, the oldest of nine siblings, and juggling school, work, and babysitting duties. In a heartfelt post, this teenager shares her struggles of wanting to go to college and pursue her dreams, while feeling guilty for potentially leaving her family behind. Her mother’s reaction to her college aspirations only adds to the emotional turmoil. Let’s dive into this heart-wrenching story.

The Family Situation

Helping Out Since 14

Juggling School and Sibling Care

College Dreams Discovered

Mom’s Emotional Reaction

Excitement Meets Anger

Accusations of Selfishness

Exhaustion and Frustration

The Struggle of Missing Out

Responsibility vs. Dreams

Unexpected Update

CPS Gets Involved

Emotions Run High

A Heartbreaking Decision: College or Family?

This 17-year-old girl is caught between her dreams of going to college and her responsibilities towards her 8 siblings. Her mother’s emotional reaction to her college aspirations only adds to the dilemma, leaving her feeling guilty and conflicted. As she struggles with exhaustion and the desire to experience a normal teenage life, the situation takes an unexpected turn when a friend calls CPS, resulting in the siblings being separated. It’s a heart-wrenching story that leaves us all wondering, what would we do in her shoes? Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…

Encouraging comment supports college dreams and calls out unequal parenting.

Encouraging comment to pursue dreams and escape abusive situation

Commenter supports OP, calls out mother’s manipulation.

Commenter offers support and advice for struggling teen’s situation ❤️

Go to college and show your siblings what’s possible!

Encouraging comment supports teen’s college dreams despite family obstacles

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the world

Encouraging comment supports teen’s college dreams and independence.

Encouraging comment urges teen to pursue college despite family struggles

Supportive reply defends teen’s right to pursue education

Encouraging support for a teen struggling with parental abuse and college dreams

Breaking free from poverty and family responsibilities. NTA

NTA! College is important, but parentification is abuse

Encouragement to prioritize self-care and pursue college dreams

Follow your dreams, not your mother’s guilt.

Encouraging comment suggests siblings find part-time jobs to help mom

Prioritizing education over sibling responsibilities. NTA

Encouraging advice on pursuing education while supporting family.

Take control of your own future , you’re not responsible for siblings.

Empathetic comment urges teen to prioritize own well-being

Teen struggles with parental responsibilities, comment advises seeking help.

Commenter disagrees with OP’s sense of responsibility towards siblings

Choose your dreams, not your mother’s manipulation

Don’t let guilt hold you back from pursuing your dreams

Empathetic reply to mom-shaming comment

Prioritize yourself . Don’t sacrifice your future for others’ comfort.

Prioritize your future! Siblings will figure it out.

Sibling responsibilities vs. college dreams. NTA offers advice

Sibling responsibilities can cause mental trauma. NTA advises to go.

Encouraging comment to prioritize personal growth and freedom.

Don’t back down, pursue your dreams and live your life

Encouraging comment urges teen to pursue college dreams despite family pressures.

Virtual hug to OP for standing up against abusive family situation

Don’t let guilt hold you back from college dreams

Commenter advises leaving bad situation with strong language

Encouraging words for teen struggling with sibling responsibilities and college dreams

Don’t sacrifice your future for your siblings, NTA

Encouraging response to a teen struggling with sibling responsibilities.

Encouraging comment supports OP’s education and independence

Standing up to family for personal goals.

Encouraging reply to OP’s struggles with sibling responsibilities.

Encouraging response to NTA comment about pursuing education despite family responsibilities

Commenter advises teen to prioritize their own future and education

Encouraging response to teen’s college dreams and sibling responsibilities

Sibling support: a solution to teen’s college vs. responsibilities dilemma

Escape from abusive family situation. You’re not responsible.

Encouraging reply to a struggling teen’s dilemma

Protect your college dreams and don’t let anyone ruin it

Prioritizing family over education can lead to regret later

Don’t miss out on financial aid deadlines!

Encouraging comment reminding OP they’re not responsible for their siblings.

Encouraging advice for OP on balancing college and family responsibilities

Encouraging comment urges teen to pursue college dreams despite family responsibilities

Follow your dreams and forget the haters!

Encouraging comment supports college dreams and independence

NTA: Commenter applauds OP but advises to prioritize own life

Go live your life! You have the right to college.

Encouraging comment to prioritize self-care and education

Encouraging NTA comment on pursuing college despite family responsibilities

Commenter advises on college planning with dragon-slaying metaphor

Encouraging comment supports college dreams and independence

Don’t sacrifice your dreams for someone else’s responsibility

Teen prioritizes education over sibling responsibilities. NTA

Encouraging comment urges OP to prioritize their future dreams

Commenter defends OP, blames sister for her own mistakes

Discipline should never involve physical harm or being out of control

Don’t sacrifice your dreams for your mom’s poor choices

NTA! Your mother is being entitled, cruel, and manipulative

You’re not the a**hole for prioritizing your own dreams

Don’t let your mom’s guilt-tripping stop you from college

Don’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm

Commenter questions mother’s work schedule and supports OP’s dreams

Supportive comment calls out mother’s immaturity. NTA, good luck

Don’t sacrifice your future for your mother’s choices

Sibling responsibilities vs. college dreams. NTA, major league NTA

Don’t let your mother hold you back from your dreams

Yikes! A tone-deaf comment with no replies ‍♀️

Moving in with father helped me achieve my dreams

Sibling responsibilities vs college dreams: NTA, focus on future

Commenter supports OP’s pursuit of education despite family responsibilities

Encouraging comment to pursue college dreams and not feel guilty

Encouraging comment to prioritize college dreams over sibling responsibilities

Don’t let your mother emotionally manipulate you. Spread your wings! NTA

Don’t sacrifice your dreams for your mom’s poor decisions

Encouraging comment urges OP to prioritize college dreams and offers practical advice

Don’t be a victim of parentification . Take care!

Encouraging advice on scholarships for college dreams

Teen works double shifts for siblings, should pursue college dreams

Prioritize yourself for once , you’re NTA.

Encouraging reply to a teen struggling with college and sibling responsibilities

Go for your dreams! Don’t let guilt hold you back

Commenter empathizes with OP’s situation, calls out mother’s behavior. NTA

You’re not the a**hole for pursuing your dreams

User encourages teen to pursue dreams despite family responsibilities

Commenter encourages teen to pursue college despite family responsibilities