So, after your chest thumping in pride ... did you want a cookie then Brok?
But I can say for a fact having all the details of your life in my brain (because you told me), you have done about 1/2 the things I have done, and of course my life is not even half over. You are a kid in my eyes, regardless of your experiences (mainly because of your family situations you have chosen to go this route -- for that I applaud you -- most self-serving kids would merely give up). But, in my view unless you are paying rent/mortgage, have the bills in your name, are supporting a family, and have a job where the phrases "would you like fries with that" or "paper or plastic" is not said somewhere during the day all while putting in less than 30 hours a week -- then I would say you are a kid. To be clear ... You are 17, and in the laws of this country cannot even vote yet and can barely drive. You cannot even buy yourself a beer or a pack of smokes (legally) in most states ... please man, just stop pontificating and roll with the humor that this thread was meant to bring about.
Perhaps next time I ought to post some fart jokes, so the simpletons can keep up, eh?