It is interesting to notice how some minds seem almost to create themselves, springing up under every disadvantage, and working their solitary but irresistible way through a thousand obstacles.

Some people build themselves with almost nothing to build from. No teacher pointed them at it, no family expected it, and still the thing got made. What drives it is usually not talent but a persistence that keeps going without evidence it will work. It says nothing good about the disadvantages themselves, which cost those people years they should not have had to spend.

If you are working without support, the absence of encouragement is not a verdict on the work. Keep a record of what you finish so you have your own evidence. And if you can be the person who notices somebody else doing this, say so early.