Change Over Time

I know I already posted today, but I have to get this out.  I apologize ahead of time for the rant.

We are different people from when we started school.  We had some pretty tough challenges, and overcoming those challenges changed us for the better.  I think it's wrong to assume that the person who left for school 75-some miles away would be on the same page as when they left.  And yet, I seem to be stuffed into the same little box that I've been caged into for most of my life.

I don't regret anything that I've done.  The decision's I've made, the place's I've gone, the people I've befriended, or the battle's I've fought.  I've been through more than most of my family.  So why am I still expected to act the same way and take the same shit as I always have?  I'm not that same person anymore.  I don't fit into the family dynamic that you think I should.  I've grown.  I've changed, and for the better, I think.

I'm entering a highly competitive field where professionals are giving me a chance.  Why won't you?

They see me as the person I am.  Why can't you?

I'm sure this was the look on my face as I bit my tongue.

</end rant>