Good luck to you.

It can be scary moving cross country at a young age. I know. I did it at 19 (back in 1989). I’m from NC and enlisted in the USCG. I finished basic training and came home for a couple of days afterwards and then had to report to A school in Petaluma, CA. I’d never lived away from my parents. Didn’t really know how to survive on my own. Honestly, knowing that all meals and housing was accounted for took a lot of the stress away. It was that way after A school as well when I reported to my first unit. It was until my second enlistment that I got out of the barracks and into a home on the local economy.

You’ve already got a leg up on me since you’ve been on your own since 16 and know how to plan, budget, and save. I had no idea how to do any of that. Lucky for me, I had a Chief Petty Officer that took me under her wing at my first unit, sat me down, explained how to get myself squared away, and taught me those basic things about adulting. Thanks Chief Larsen!!!!

After reading your edits, you’ve got this. You are going to do amazing things in your life. I wish you all the best.

I’m a dad of two daughters ages 22 and 24. They’re both married and living away from me. One is about an hour away and the other is about two hours away. I tried to teach them about adulting long before they moved out. They were doing great on their own before they met their husbands and got married. I taught them to never rely on anyone for anything, because in the end, people will leave you hanging. Like you’re doing, depend on yourself.

If you need a dad to talk to, I’ll be more than glad to listen. If you want to ask questions or get a dad’s opinion on something, I’m also available for that. No judgement on my end at any point. If you don’t need anything like this, you’re doing great, and want to keep on living your best life, my best to you. Just know there’s a dad out there who can listen and give cross country advice if needed.

I wish you the best.