You know what, I've read these forums for months and never felt compelled to register but I was so touched by your post I had to post a reply because, without going into details, a lot of what you've spoken of is very close to my heart.
For gods sake, exactly what is wrong with an Art History degree? Who are your cousin and his wife to "laugh at you" and tell you that "you'd achieved nothing" at your graduation? I'd love to hear what their academic credentials are seeing as they are such great experts of higher education.
Seriously, the fact that you have been through everything you have been and you still managed to get a degree speaks volumes about you. That is nothing short of amazing. That is the definition of achievement in my books, because there are plenty of people out there who would've dropped out and not had the guts and discipline to continue. You should rightly be proud of yourself.
When you're at University, doing a degree doesn't just teach you about your academic discipline, it teaches you about managing pressure. You achieved this with no support network at all - wow. I know they're your family but you don't need these people in your life hon.
You are an amazing, courageous and obviously intelligent person. you've got through a terrible childhood and adolescence, got through a degree course - believe me girl if you can get through all of that you can get through anything.
I know that I don't know you, but I'm just so proud of what you've achieved and that you’re still hanging in there despite it all - People like you inspire me.
All the best
Paul VG
