# data[].attributes.body
As a child, I have always strived for independence. I would always tell my father, "I've got this, I can do it by myself". I always wanted to learn ways to sustain myself on my own.

# data[].attributes.body
Over the years, I learned how to completely maintain myself and my surroundings, I have learned how to cook, clean, how to rely on myself. I have never wanted to be the person who always relied on someone else, I never wanted to grow up never being able to do anything for myself.

# data[].attributes.body
Many people say that too much independence is not good, and I completely agree. I used to be extremely lonely, never relying on anyone, never asking for help, I never wanted to be a burden to anyone. I'm still trying to learn how to rely on people for help sometimes.

# data[].attributes.body
Although it can get lonely at times, I have so much freedom, freedom to really be myself and learn who "Jaiden Hilliard" really is. I can sustain myself out in the real world, I can feed myself, pay my bills, change my oil, and so much more. You won't have someone there at all times, every second of everyday. I moved out all on my own, and personally I think I'm doing pretty good.

# data[].attributes.body
Now because of my independence, I live on my own, I have the knowledge to make it on my own, in this economically cruel world. I have the ability to make something of myself. I can survive, and I can flourish. Finding my independence shaped my identity, it shaped my personality, and it shaped my future.

# data[].attributes.body
If I could change anything about what I learned about independence, is that asking for help and occasionally relying on others, doesn't mean you aren't independent, it means you are human.