Over-stressed college student: inquire inside
Wed Sep 29, 2004 7:22 pm
This may be for more of the older PPTers, but I'd really love to hear from everyone...
I just restarted college this semester. I turned 22 a week ago, so I'm quite a bit older than any of the other freshman. I'm really excited to be in college again, albeit stressed out over the price, but, no matter what I do, life keeps throwing up stuff in my way of classes and homework. Grandmother having a bone cancer scare, my knee now being out of alignment and me being a possible surgery canidate, as well as having a friend who has decided she is going to rely on me completely because she can't stand being alone (She has some problems...and she tried to commit suicide earlier this year, I missed 3 days of classes taking care of her and her hospital things.)
I don't know what to do anymore. My teachers don't seem to be too understanding, and I've been forced to get a job that I dispise...which isn't allowing me to do homework. I'm at the end of my rope, and I don't want to drop out of college. What honestly do you guys suggest, because I'm out of ideas.
I just restarted college this semester. I turned 22 a week ago, so I'm quite a bit older than any of the other freshman. I'm really excited to be in college again, albeit stressed out over the price, but, no matter what I do, life keeps throwing up stuff in my way of classes and homework. Grandmother having a bone cancer scare, my knee now being out of alignment and me being a possible surgery canidate, as well as having a friend who has decided she is going to rely on me completely because she can't stand being alone (She has some problems...and she tried to commit suicide earlier this year, I missed 3 days of classes taking care of her and her hospital things.)
I don't know what to do anymore. My teachers don't seem to be too understanding, and I've been forced to get a job that I dispise...which isn't allowing me to do homework. I'm at the end of my rope, and I don't want to drop out of college. What honestly do you guys suggest, because I'm out of ideas.
Wed Sep 29, 2004 8:29 pm
College fees are the worst. I'm having to pay mine this year, and it's not the bast time for them to ask for money.
It sounds like you're not giving yourself the time you need to yourself, both mentally and physically. You need to let your knee repair itself, but still work to get some cash.
Have you ever thought of seeing what the college can do for you support-wise? I'm sure that not everyone in there is using it to its full capasity, perhaps they will point you in the direction of places you can get sponsorship, or funding in some way.
Also, with your friend, don't let it be a one way relationship. Share with her, and perhaps the friendship will be even stronger. Perhaps she'll have even better ideas than I do here. Like they say, a friend in need, is a friend indeed.
Try to talk to your Grandmother if she's up for it. Even if it was just a scare, she will still need support. Good luck. ^_^
It sounds like you're not giving yourself the time you need to yourself, both mentally and physically. You need to let your knee repair itself, but still work to get some cash.
Have you ever thought of seeing what the college can do for you support-wise? I'm sure that not everyone in there is using it to its full capasity, perhaps they will point you in the direction of places you can get sponsorship, or funding in some way.
Also, with your friend, don't let it be a one way relationship. Share with her, and perhaps the friendship will be even stronger. Perhaps she'll have even better ideas than I do here. Like they say, a friend in need, is a friend indeed.
Try to talk to your Grandmother if she's up for it. Even if it was just a scare, she will still need support. Good luck. ^_^
Wed Sep 29, 2004 8:49 pm
That's a tough situation.
I was in the same boat, myself at one time...almost to the tee - except I was just as old as all the other students.
While helping your friend through her problems, perhaps she can help you through yours too. Maybe she'd be willing to lend an ear considering all you've done for her.
The only thing I can suggest is trying to stay ahead of your homework by doing a lot on the weekends...or staying up late on the weekends to do your homework if you work a lot then. Try to see if there are any scholarships/financial aid that you're not getting. Maybe do a work-study program instead of having a real job. They are more lenient than a real job, and a lot of times you can do your homework while doing your job. Like, if you work in the library, if you work for the tutoring program or something like that. The money I got from work study went straight to my college account, so that helped with fees and stuff.
If you really can't take it, maybe take a semester off and get some money in the bank. HOwever, I only suggest that as a last resort...a lot of people don't go back after quitting.
Do you go to a large school or small? I went to a pretty small college, and my profs were very understanding with my situation (2 of my closest friends in college died my senior year - plus I had a job, and it was a total drain). Profs at larger schools may not be as understanding though...they don't really care much about their students.
That's about all the advice I have for you. I had a great boyfriend at the time that helped me through all of my personal problems, plus I had work-study a couple hours a week and a part-time job...but I was able to do some of my homework at my job...so that was a plus, too.
I was in the same boat, myself at one time...almost to the tee - except I was just as old as all the other students.
While helping your friend through her problems, perhaps she can help you through yours too. Maybe she'd be willing to lend an ear considering all you've done for her.
The only thing I can suggest is trying to stay ahead of your homework by doing a lot on the weekends...or staying up late on the weekends to do your homework if you work a lot then. Try to see if there are any scholarships/financial aid that you're not getting. Maybe do a work-study program instead of having a real job. They are more lenient than a real job, and a lot of times you can do your homework while doing your job. Like, if you work in the library, if you work for the tutoring program or something like that. The money I got from work study went straight to my college account, so that helped with fees and stuff.
If you really can't take it, maybe take a semester off and get some money in the bank. HOwever, I only suggest that as a last resort...a lot of people don't go back after quitting.
Do you go to a large school or small? I went to a pretty small college, and my profs were very understanding with my situation (2 of my closest friends in college died my senior year - plus I had a job, and it was a total drain). Profs at larger schools may not be as understanding though...they don't really care much about their students.
That's about all the advice I have for you. I had a great boyfriend at the time that helped me through all of my personal problems, plus I had work-study a couple hours a week and a part-time job...but I was able to do some of my homework at my job...so that was a plus, too.