I was 15. Been planning for a few months, ripped up all recent pictures, gathered some items and packed my backpack and left with an army blanket roll. That era was different and there were plenty of freefloating souls. Got a job, found a roommate, Found my own place, took courses at a prestigious university, and eventually married a sailor by the end of my 16th year.
Had to contact fam and get permission to wed. They gave it and were relieved. From a UMC background and all the kids ran away (trendy. like cutting today), I was the only one that didn’t return.
Kids can never do this today, finding jobs and renting apartments. Kids have no freedom.
Great story... I guess I never thought much about how different it was back then. My mother did much the same... she moved out when she was 15. She moved to the city to live with her niece (who was actually the same age). She went back to High School for a short time, but... married my father before she finished.