I was doing all the sorts of things you are talking about your daughter doing. When I was in HS I skipped every opportunity I could. I did go to Junior College for a while, but only made average scores, and eventually got a job at a grocery store. I met my future husband there. We got married at age 23, and didn't have any children until age 27. I was unhappy with everything. My parents helped out a little to keep us afloat, but let me decide he was just the wrong person for me. I asked for a divorce while I was going back to college, which I started at age 29. I graduated, and now have a great job, making good money, and am finally happy. My parents did the right thing to mostly butt out, because I would have just been mad at them, and probably would have blamed them for a breakuup if they hadn't minded their own business. They began to actively support my daughter and I while I was in college, and helped me get on my feet. They did this at a time when THEY could telll I was serious about getting a better life for us.(my daughter and me)
I am now saving up to buy a house, aside from the lap-band payments, ha!! I am doing well now at 33. I know what sortof man I definitely do NOT want, and what sort of BS I won't take from any man. I am happier like this, even being divorced doing it on my own. The point is, there is still hope for college, and a future, although you may not see it now.
Another question....Isn't dating a 17 year old illegal? Especially if there are sexual relations? I know you don't want to even think about THAT, but its called statutory rape.