I am a freshmen in high school, but I'm supposed to be a sophomore -- so when i am 18 i will be a junior. I am going to be "legal" and i can leave my house. I want to so bad. I am really really depressed here. I don't like it at my house. if I leave and live with another relative, my guardians can't do anything about it because i will be 18. if I do that, and I do virtual school for my last year at high school would that be ok? i just wanna leave my house and my guardians -- but not be a high school drop out.

--------------------------Miss Emily's advice---------------------

Well, you certainly want to plan carefully in order for it to be reasonably executed. I can tell by your letter that you feel you live in an oppressive situation with the people you call your guardians, but I assume they are your parents? First, you do need to find that relative who will take you in and, then, there is the issue of finances. Now it would be nice for that relative to feed you, give you shelter, and pay your expenses, but that only happens to really lucky people (I'm not one of them), and you'd probably need to get a job. That's doable, but you absolutely want to have the time to finish high school, because you can't get far without that degree, these days, and especially in this lousy economic climate. Life can be hard, as you already know, and you need all the tools you can get to make your life as comfortable as you can. Were you, as I said, to plan carefully, almost anything is possible if you have the drive, a good work ethic, and the ability to tell yourself -- I'm a good person, but no one is going to be able to make my life truly worth living, but me. Seek to find your passion in life, have a plan and, no matter what your situation, you will succeed. if you're depressed, see a doctor. He, or she might be able to help by putting you on an anti-depressant. With all you have on your plate, a clear head is necessary.