Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta Josie is a different person at the beginning of the novel than she is at the end. How do these changes in her self come about?

In this novel (Looking for Alibrandi) Josephine Alibrandi is seen as an illegitimate 17-year-old girl who is self-centred, ignorant and sensitive about her illegitimacy and her reputation and what people say about her behind her back. She is also described as confused because she isn't sure where she stands in life, whether she is an Australian or and Italian, and is paranoid in thinking because she is of Italian background she is constantly being victimised …

…separated. In conclusion, Josephine makes major changes in her life, which were somehow provoked by inevitable incidences, she learns to accept the fact that no matter what happens people won't stop whispering behind her back "If I lived by the rules and never committed a sin, people would still talk." She learns what responsibilities really is about and learns to appreciate and cherish every minute of her life and to not take life for granted.