Going Back to School (College)

beebahboo

beebahboo

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Disclaimer: Personal Thread

I'll keep this short to start.

So here I am, 21, planning on, and taking the steps to get back in school. I've been admitted to a Community College back home, now I'm taking the final steps.
I graduated in 2010, so it's basically been four years since I've been in class.
I went to Uni after graduating, dropped out, not the right way, GPA was a whopping 0.00 (I assume).
I then moved to Colorado, started class fresh at a CC, was going to class and was generally enjoying it. Then one day I pretty much stopped going. I can't exactly tell you why, I've just never been a huge fan of going to class. So again, I dropped out, the wrong way.

I'm reaching that point in my life where I'm quickly realizing how easily I could end up just like my parents. They don't want that and I certainly don't want that. They aren't bad people, they've just kinda wasted the talent(s) that they had and didn't really accomplish anything.

Anyway, I'm looking for any advice on how to stick with it this time. I really want this. I want this for myself. When I first started going to College it was more or less me doing it for my parents. This time it's for me.
Words from anyone who has gone through a similar "crisis," or just has some good advice.

I'm starting to stress because I have to take the ACT (Compass ACT anyway) again. And I'm fairly confident that Math is going to kick my ass. I'm good at math, but it's been awhile... Has anyone taken the Compass? Class registration started on April, 29th. So I have to take this asap.

Thank you for reading! I'd love and appreciate any advice, help, comments, questions, etc..
 
Tip for the ACT, though I'm not sure how different the Compass version of the test is going to be, but if you visit their website you can find some great resources. I used the practice questions quite often before every time I took the test, specifically for math because that was my worst subject. Here's a link to the math practice questions: http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/math/math_01.html

Also, when you are taking the reading portion of the test, something that helped me a lot was reading the whole passage that was given to me before answering any of the questions. This helped with comprehension, I could answer some of the questions without going back to the text, and it helps you remember where in the passage certain things were mentioned so that you can find them more easily. The same thing goes for the science portion, do your best to read and understand the tables before answering the questions, or you'll have a tough time knowing what the questions are about and an even tougher time finding what they are referring to amongst all the tables and graphs.

I'm not sure how you did the first time you took these tests, so I'm not sure if this advice is helpful at all, but I can assure you that I know what I'm talking about, at least for the most part, as I did very well on the ACT. No advice from me on how to stick with it though, I'm having trouble with that myself seeing as how I can barely motivate myself to get good enough grades to keep my scholarships :/ feeling like you're doing it for your parents really sucks the motivation out of you.
 
I'm not sure what I could say to motivate you, but I think it's really good of you to take this step to continue your education. Not many people do that after being out of it for so long.

If you haven't already, maybe you can already attend some classes before you officially enroll to see what it's like. I would make sure that the classes you take are what you really want to do and stick to.

The education system in the Netherlands is very different than that from the USA. I don't know anything about ACT, but you could look for tutors if you're still having issues after using the online resources.
 
First, I think a congratulations is in order. As Drohn mentioned, going back to school isn't something many people do, so I commend your dedication. It may sound a bit trite, but you really do need to be proud of yourself!

I never dropped out of college, so I wasn't exactly in the same boat as you, but there were multiple occasions during my college career where I felt...lost. I was a pharmacy major and spent a good chunk of those six-years sticking with it just to please my family and friends. Talk about rough. It wasn't until I did some reflection and realized I had to want it for myself that things got easier.

As you're doing this on your own accord (and not for your parents), I'd say you're already on the right track; as I'm sure you're aware from your first go around, your performance in college is almost directly proportionate to your own motivation. You clearly want to make a change in your life for the better, so I have no doubt you'll succeed.

One piece of advice I can give is not to put an overwhelming focus on your GPA. It can be important in some situations, sure, but I've always stood by the idea that exam scores don't matter as much as how comfortable you are with your own understanding of the material. I'm not sure of your major, but I'm sure the advice can be applied to most.

Another suggestion is to get as involved as you can with on-campus activities. Most colleges, even smaller community colleges, have many organizations, from Student Government to smaller, niche groups. By finding one (or several) you enjoy, you can quickly gain new friends with shared interests...and that can be a huge motivating tool for sticking with it.

Hopefully what I said can help you or others in some way. If you have any questions, let me know and I'd be happy to talk!
 
If I were in your position, I'd do some self study for a year to test my resolve for sticking with education. If you've done this before and it failed, you should play it conservatively IMO.

It's cool that you want this for yourself tho c:

You haven't mentioned what area you'd like to pursue, which tells me that you still have a lot of thinking to do?

What would be helpful too is to surround yourself with other learners, i.e. an adult learner class or something. That helped me when I was getting myself together for University, and I turned out awesome. c:
 
Disclamer: Poké dad of 3 former Pokémon players who are all now working adults or going to grad school. I continued playing this great game after my kids went off to high school, college and then work. I am also a professional and held management positions in a Fortune 20 company. Lastly, I am also an advocate for continued learning.

Like the other Gym members, congratulations to you for wanting to go back and continue your college education. It is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for the future. As a parent (of 3 adults former Pokémon players), I believe in encouraging my kids to do things when they "are ready." In the past, you may not have been quite ready; but now, you have more desire and dedication since you are doing it for yourself. After all, "you" are the biggest investment you can make for yourself. So, big props to you.

As you restart your college education journey, remember to:
  • Let the past go. Everybody has setbacks, delays, detours, etc. in life. Learn from it, but keep going forward and achieve your goals.
  • Consider maybe taking 1 or 2 classes first just to get back into the college "groove." This tactic can help you gain some early successes and more encouragement as you continue to go forward.
  • Don't put any undue pressure on yourself to get that "A." Do the very best you can. However, if you can get an "A" though, don't settle for a "B." Remember that the grade is an investment you are making in yourself for your future.
  • Identify and surround yourself with other positive, motivated and smart college people who can perhaps provide ongoing support and maybe even tutoring (or you could study with) when needed..
  • Have some fun too (after all the school work is done - lol).
Best wishes for success!
 
Wow. Thanks to everyone that has responded so far. More than I was expecting!
All of your words help me more than you know. I greatly appreciate all that you've had to say!
Thank you! :D
 
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