Leigha, I did a lot of hitchiking in my late teens too and had mostly great experiences. Thank goodness we lived through them too.
I agree about school. Our kids went to school for their first few years and then we pulled them out to homeschool/unschool. I know it's not for everyone but we all loved it and my kids definitely think for themselves. Did/does anyone else here homeschool their kids?

Dream of the Circle of Women
by Dahti Blanchard
published May 2004 by Spilled Candy Books
visit: www.dahtiblanchard.com