Hes a sixteen year old high school Junior, attending two different summer sessions, and yet he has energy to burn, so his mom arranged for him to apply as a part-time bus boy at a local restaurant.

He followed up as they had requested, but the once optimistic general manager seemed to be ducking his calls.

So, without any further prompting, he set out in nearly 100 degree weather to find his own job, and within a half day he got one, passing out flyers for a local retail business.

A week later, he saw his first payday, and he was thrilled.

In the space of two weeks, it seemed he had almost grown-up; thats how powerful it is to earn your own money.

The boys mom had never seen him as ebullient and motivated, and frankly, beforehand she was a little concerned because he wasnt taking interest in any subjects in school, and he seemed to be a little morose.

His new job, the positive regard in which his employers hold him, and that cash in his pocket, are turning his attitude around.

In a word, he feels INDEPENDENT, and while money seems to be making that happen, its really something that a parents money cannot buy.

Most parents are elated when their babies take their first steps and utter their first words.

But just wait until they start making a way for themselves in the world.

Now, thats thrilling!