The family structure of yesteryear has often been characterized by a mother, father, sister, and brother. However, this "typical" family has evolved drastically into families for all situations, including homes lacking a vital part of the traditional family: parents. Sophomore Jennifer* was home-schooled while living with her mother and older sister prior to attending Bear Creek. After many heated arguments with her mother, Jennifer decided to move out. "I've always been a tad adventurous," Jennifer said. "There was some animosity with my mother, so I moved out with my sister when she turned 18." Contrary to popular belief, living without parents is not all fun and games. Jennifer and her sister Tiffany moved into an apartment nearly half a year ago, and both have been working at The Creamery for money to finance necessities. "Moving in with my sister didn't make much of a difference," Jennifer said. "I was already responsible and I still am responsible, but it's a lot of hard work. We don't go out and party all the time - it just doesn't happen, and sometimes we just don't have time to." Jennifer grew up without many restrictions. The self-proclaimed rebel contemplated leaving home when she began to argue with her mother, and left when her sister turned 18. The pair have lived in the apartment for five months, but Tiffany plans to leave for Sacramento when the lease is up. Jennifer will move in with another sister. Communication between Jennifer and her mother lagged, but it is slowly rebuilding. "I'm happy where things are now," Jennifer said. "I can never live with her again, but at least now I have respect for her." While arguments were Jennifer's reason to leave her home, sophomore Molly Sherwood had far different grounds. Sherwood's mother became pregnant at 15 and was kicked out of the house soon after. She moved in with her boyfriend, Sherwood's stepfather. Sherwood's stepfather beat her regularly. "My stepdad and I didn't get along," Sherwood said. "I kept myself busy with my schoolwork just to get away from him." Sherwood told no one until she realized what was happening was wrong. "I called my grandparents and they came to pick me up," Sherwood said. "My mom was mad but I didn't talk to her. Her husband was hurting me." Sherwood has lived with her grandparents ever since and has recently started speaking to her mother again. Sherwood, however, refuses to speak to her stepfather. "My grandma and grandpa are pretty much my mom and dad," Sherwood said. "My grandpa's always been a father figure to me since I never really knew my real father." Across the United States, 150,000 children are adopted every year, and nearly two-thirds of the documented adoptions are by family members.