I turn 17 in 1 hour. What advice do you have for me?
American young lady here.
For context, I graduated high school in May at 16, am currently taking classes with Virginia's Community College System, and will be going to William & Mary in Spring 2027. I've had anorexia since I was 13 and am in semi-recovery (not actvely recovering, but I can't afford to let my grades slip). On track to finish in Fall 2028 at 19 and apply to law school.
No romantic interests in the picture, but parents have been discussing an arranged marriage since before I was born. I have 4 close friends (all women as well) and a few other casual acquaintances.
My mom and I just finished setting up my first investment account, and I deposited my first $100 in it an hour ago. I got a car from my grandma after her death. I wasn't allowed to get a job until graduation but now am looking for stuff I can balance with a full-time college schedule.
Objectively, I've done well up to this point, but I still feel like I'm behind. I feel like I didn't do well enough in school, that I wasted my time as a kid and wasn't productive enough, and that I now have to do Adulting Lite™️.
Any advice?
Posted Aug 29, 2026, 3:00 AM UTC