I think knowing what you can do, is the most important asset to a person; if you know what you're capable of, then what's stopping you from doing it?
Sounds familiar, I'm a freelancer when it comes to where I stay, because my parents just kick me out periodically due to just being un-capable of tolerating the fact they have responsibilities (though they're split up). But I look forward to college, I'll be prepared because I've lived the lifestyle already; lacking food and money, trying to build a mountain when all I have are match sticks next to an inferno, you know the drill.