A lot has been said here, some heated and in my personal opinion rude and others were just spouting their opinion. Personally I can sympathize with Rachel in some things but in others i cant. I am 16 and my parents kicked me out for their own reasons one was because i started dating a guy behind their back, two was because yea i can tend to state my opinion and get mouthy, and three they just didnt want to deal with me at the moment because my dad is dying of cancer. One thing i would never say about my parents is that i want to slit their throats. I love my parents I just dont get a long with them very well. So I just had to learn when i am around them to button my lip and just not argue. I also thank my parents for the great oppritunities they have opended up to me in my life. One they homeschooled me all the way up until december and then i passed my college entrance exam with flying colors and am currently attending jr college for my associates in engineering. My mom, who is prolly the one i dont get along with the most, pushed me to apply for an essay scholarship that i didnt want to try for because i was nervous and now the next two years of my schooling are paid for. They have also introduced me to the most important person in my life, God. Without God i would have been a goner a long time ago. Just try to look at things from your parents perspective, they only want to protect you not hurt you.

So Rachel there is so much you can do with your life. You claim to be an itellectual so why not try for some scholarships and go back to school. Yeah hitchiking around the states would be a great learning expierence but its nothing like what you would get at school. I just hope and pray that if i can help you at any time let me know. I know that i am younger then you but we all have lessons that we can teach each other.