However, I arrived in London and Paris and spent an unforgettable time in my life experiencing different cultures, especially food. Even when I got home, Rob was still giving me trouble about the financial situation, but I realized that would be the case, so I got him some coffee and chocolate from Europe. He subsequently remained silent on the subject for about a month, but occasionally drops a few hints describing this issue when formulating payment plans for college. While I think he was a little surprised and/or proud that I stood up to him and decided for myself what I want to do with my life, he just doesn't admit it. Reflecting on when this problem started, I should have realized sooner that Rob would be the only one who would have a problem with this, as he is the one keeping tabs on the financial situation and doesn't want any of the kids to go off on their own. In fact, he practically had a nervous breakdown when I went on a field trip to Washington DC in eighth grade, even though there were seven chaperones observing thirty students. Therefore, for him to know that I wanted to go to Europe for two weeks was too much, and he was angry at my mother and father for even considering the option of allowing me to go. If I had known how resistant he would become to the idea, I would have had a meeting with my parents to explain to them the entire organization of my trip to be successful, so that everyone would understand that I had formulated my own criteria. So before anyone questions it, tell them who I've asked to join me, where I'll be staying, what I'll be doing, etc. Talking more about the situation can help ease tension about the financial situation, thus explaining that I would work as many hours as possible to have extra money to invest in my future education. Hopefully, after the proposal everyone would be more informed about my trip,