I think 17 year olds should be and act 17. It's a shame that you have received pressure to pretend to be grown up when you are not grown up. Not physically and not emotionally. It's a developmental thing.

While I don't think your mom should call anyone "white trash"; she has your interests at heart.

A 23 or 24 year old woman is too old for you. Before you get all upset at what I have just written, please consider this. If this deep passion you feel for "Katie" is enduring; it will last until you turn 18, when you legally become an adult (even though physically and emotionally you still won't be an adult. It's a developmental thing).

So I recommend you chill. Nothing wrong with exchanging a few pleasantries in public on the job--although "flirting" on the job is just wrong. But keep away from Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or any of the other social media with "Katie" until you're an adult. I doubt you'll like what I have written. But I think for everyone concerned it is for the best. Concentrate on your students, on work, on platonic friendships, and save the sturm und drang romance until after you turn 18.