I lied about my age in the summer of 1977 when I graduated from high school. I needed a job to help my family and get through college.

At the time, in order to get a job at the local department store Korvettes's (the Target of the time), I had to be 18. They didn't check age per se, only checked if indeed I graduated from high school which I did.

Though working 20 to 40+ hours a week and going to college and living at home was no piece of cake, I was grateful to be able to have healthcare (something my family did not have, thanks to my dad) and be able to help pay the mortgage and utility bills.

Now that I am 50, I have no need to lie about my age. It is what it is.

Everyday I am grateful even for my age.