And you're selected for your perceived value! I would think that would be very encouraging. Sounds like you are working hard. Good luck on no student loans. I got some - didn't get much of a choice, parents kind of signed me up for them - but my payments are manageable, and they're the next lump of debt I plan to tackle. You'll be very glad you don't have them, though. They do tie you down and force you to take certain paths.
Yeah, my parents hammered it down that I need to get my finances in fucking order. Especially when I left home to live on my own, even though the commute to uni is just over an hour. They went through all my finances with me and made sure I got a job to support living on my own. I don't shy debt though, but I'll definitely avoid it as long as I can.