Too young? Options

[livwho]

"We have to push you because you won't push yourself."

A direct quote from my mother regarding swim team. (Just so you know, I'm an extremely driven individual.)
It's time to assume some responsibility and get a summer job, but my parents believe otherwise. In their minds, fifteen is too young to be working.

All I'm asking for is some independence to buy what I want with my own money, and (maybe) pay half of my college tuition when the time comes. Is that too much?

[DoubleJ]

I believe that you must get the experience that you can. I was ahead of the curve, because I got hired at a Wall Street firm at 17. Although people said that I was entirely too young, I am still there today 4 years later. I say to you, gain as much knowledge about the job requirements in your state as possible, and then search for a job. I am a firm believer in being independent, because there is nothing like being able to get what you want, when you want it, or have something done, the way you want it. Although having a job does have its drawbacks, i.e. spending less time with friends, occasionally being stressed and tired, it ultimately gains you the reward that we all strive for, freedom. I totally hope that you take this experience and soak it all up, and I commend you for having such a drive at such a young age.