How can I stay?

Thank you for reaching out to National Runaway Safeline. You have plans regarding your direction in life and they are not the same as your parent’s desires. It seems like you are sympathetic to their needs but have you own desires too. It sounds like you are a wonderful student which is admirable. You have a realistic view about not being able to support yourself without a job but are currently looking for work, which is responsible.
You state that you are frustrated and depressed about the situation. Some ideas might be to talk to your school counselor to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation or perhaps help you find work. However, if you did find a job it could be hard to live independently at 17. Perhaps you could seek parental permission to live with a relative or close friend in Maryland until you get a job and turn 18.
Again, we are really glad that you reached out to us. It takes a lot to ask for help. If you would like to talk about more options, please do not hesitate to email, call or chat with us. We are here to listen, and here to help. We are here at the National Runaway Safeline 24/7 and you can call us anytime at 1-800-runaway or reach us on chat at 1800runaway.org

I am 17 years old and currently live in Maryland. My parents plan to move to Texas at the end of June, and are making me go with them. I have tried to explain to them how crucial junior year is for me and how I have so many opportunities for me here due to the connections I have and a pathway at school I am in that is setting me up for an internship senior year. If we move to Texas I will not be able to take on a challenging course load (I currently take 4 APs) as I will have to take classes that fulfill my new graduation requirements for my new school. I love my parents and I know they love me, but they are convinced Texas is the holy land and I cannot argue with them because they have spiritual reasons for moving. I, myself, am not very religious (they don’t know that) so it is hard for me to understand why my entire life has to change. I am trying to get a job to support myself, but it looks as if I have no other options but to go. It’s so frustrating not being in control of my life and I have found myself feeling more depressed lately. This is a last resort, but any info/help you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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