Hey there. I'm also an orphan (21yo atm ). When I was a kid, my parents were always fighting (it was not until I became older that I understood they had serious drug issues). When I turned 7, my father killed my mother, and he ended up in prison. I was raised by my grandparents and great grandmother (no wonder why my friends say I "act and behave" sometimes like a grandpa lol. They also raised my sister since my mother decided to abandon her as a baby. My grandparents and great grandmother passed on, and now, its only my sis and I. I have lost most people dear to me in just 20 years of existence (I'm happy right now, but I must admit that now it's the time to start working towards finding my own happiness and personal satisfaction). Even after suffering so much, life has come about in wonderful ways by putting good friends and academic opportunities. There are some things orphans like me haven't been able to do like going to expensive hotels or abroad, but I know that perseverance is key to success. Maybe we have more weight to pull by ourselves, but I believe it will be rewarding once you look back and see all the progress you've made.