My First Real Adulting Fail: College, Broke, and Heartbroken at 18

Welcome to the very first episode of No Textbook for Life! In this episode, I’m sharing the raw, unfiltered story of what it was like stepping into adulthood for the first time. At 18, I thought college, independence, and freedom would feel exciting… but instead, I found myself broke, heartbroken, overwhelmed, and even facing serious health struggles. From working a factory job right after high school, juggling basketball, paying rent with no money, and surviving my first real breakup—I learned the hard way that adulting doesn’t come with instructions. This story shaped me, pushed me toward serving a mission, and ultimately led me to where I am today. If you’ve ever felt unprepared for life after high school, or like you’re “failing” at adulthood, this episode is for you. My goal with this podcast is to share the real lessons school forgot to teach us—through honest stories, practical advice, and heartfelt conversations. ✨ Don’t forget—there’s a video version of this podcast right here on my channel, Modern American Mama, along with my “Healing After Baby” series. Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes every Saturday!