I put myself through college all by myself. Never got a penny from either parent. I also got to make all my own decisions.
Proud of your achievement! For those not so accomplished, here is a list of 7 blunders from Ghandi, avoid those and you will do well, with or without that sheepskin:
1) Wealth without work 2) Pleasure without conscience 3)Knowledge without character 4) Commerce without morality 5) Science without humanity 6) Worship without sacrifice 7)Politics without principles. Ghandi’s grandson added 8) Rights without Responsibilities.
Number 8 seems especially appropriate for the age we are living in now IMO.