And when her parents finally managed to unfreeze their assets, Alex realized that she didn't need their money to be happy. She had discovered a new sense of self-worth, one that wasn't tied to her bank account.
With a newfound sense of determination, she began to brainstorm ways to survive on a shoestring budget. She applied for a part-time job at the campus library, started selling her gently used clothes online, and even began to cook simple meals in her dorm's microwave.
Alex felt like she'd been punched in the gut. Without her trust fund, she was forced to confront a harsh reality: she had to get a job to support herself.
