TAWCST: Yet Another Whiny College Student Thread: I'm failing.

[Ryan]

I think I have, academically

I was one of those kids who got good grades in high school without ever studying, so naturally when I got to college I'm trying to keep that habit up. A lot of the classes I took in high school were dual enrolled with my local college, so I earned 35 college credits before I graduated high school. Naturally, I had good grades in those classes.

I'm currently on a scholarship that pays for 75% of my tuition, I pay for everything else. Last year, I was able to pretty much breeze 4 classes each semester, while working full time, getting B's with a few C's.

Another contributing factor: My job! I really need to make money, but the only way to really do that at a Pizza place it to work the late shifts - so many times I don't get home until 2AM, then I have to wake up at 6:30 to go to school. Naturally, I've slept through my classes many times, even missing two tests. I've missed the maximum amount of days i can miss in all of the classes.

But the first semester of this year is a TOTALLY different from the last. Currently I'm taking just a Java programming class, American Literature Class, Religion in America, and Business Statistics. I don't think that my classes are hard, but they do require quite a bit of time out of class to be devoted to them. And that's where I run into a roadblock - I have never really studied at all in my life. I've tried, but I just seem to go nowhere really quick.

Honestly, I believe that if I make a honest effort for the rest of the semester, I think I can pull off passing in all the classes except the Java class. I'm considering dropping it, but I don't know how it'll effect my scholarship, etc. I'm going to talk to a counselor tomorrow about the matter, so I can retake it next semester. Honestly, the only reason I even show up is so that I don't get counted absent - I don't even know what it going on (it doesn't' really help that all the teacher does is go through power point slides, with no hands on activities in the class, but that's another subject)

So, I feel like I've hit rock bottom - I've disappointed myself and I'm going to disappoint my parents. They've always known me as a good performer when it comes to academics, so something like this is really out fo the ordinary. I just feel like I've become a consistent procrastinator, and I feel like an unmotivated person. I'm just disappointed that wasted this practically free ride that I'm getting......... This is probably the most depressed I've ever felt, I'd hate to see myself when the sh!t really hits the fan later in life, and I have REAL problems........

Cliff notes: I fvcked up.

 

[Feldenak]

I did, but then I picked myself up and went back to school.

While your problems may look and feel insurmountable, they really aren't.

 

[Heisenberg]

You just need to learn how to study and how to manage your time. I never studied either through high school. Then I got hit in the face with my engineering physics class in college and had to.

 

[UncleWai]

Amen, and I am only in my second year in University.
But unlike you, my parents are paying for them 100%, you are lucky you are only wasting 25% of the tuition.

 

[Feldenak]

If it's possible I would suggest leaving school for a little while.

I am really beginning to believe that a break between HS and college is good for people. You need to get out and gain some life experience without leaning on your parent(s)/guardian(s).

 

[HappyPuppy]

....river....

Nobody said life is easy.

 

[Francodman]

CRAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWLING INNNN MY SKIIIIIIIIIN

 

[bleeb]

I feel like I hit rock bottom right now.

 

[Lager]

rblowedow, quit your job now. Education is much more important. Also, try studying in the school library or outside a park without distractions.

Also, take good notes in class so you won't have to study too much at home.

 

[RabidMongoose]

I would quit the job if I were in your situation. How much do you even earn per an entire semester with that job?

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: lager
rblowedow, quit your job now. Education is much more important. Also, try studying in the school library or outside a park without distractions. Also, take good notes in class so you won't have to study too much at home.

Quit my job :Q How do you suggest I support myself - as my parents for money? The only thing they really provide for me is a place to stay, I pay for almost all of my food, clothing, etc, etc, etc. There's no way I could quit.

 

[RabidMongoose]

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: lager
rblowedow, quit your job now. Education is much more important. Also, try studying in the school library or outside a park without distractions. Also, take good notes in class so you won't have to study too much at home.

Quit my job :Q How do you suggest I support myself - as my parents for money? The only thing they really provide for me is a place to stay, I pay for almost all of my food, clothing, etc, etc, etc. There's no way I could quit.

Why not apply for a loan that is 'supposed' to pay for your 'place to stay' (while your parents still provide a place to stay) and use that money for food/clothing/whatever.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: RabidMongoose
I would quit the job if I were in your situation. How much do you even earn per an entire semester with that job?

Around 450 bucks a week, not much, but the majority of it comes from earning tips as a driver. I have already cut back some of my hours (actually, I've pretty much devoted myself to working all of the time on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), but I can't see myself quitting - I'd have no way to support myself, or pay for my car and insurance, etc unless I wanted to drain my bank account (about 7k that I've saved up from delivering pizzas).

I can't do that, nor will I take out a loan to support myself (seriously, that's ludicrous in my mind).

 

[udonoogen]

dude i know how you feel. i just bombed a couple midterms and am turning in a project a few days late. my suggestion would be to get a job that isnt as intensive. apply for workstudy if you can. workstudy is bank. most jobs you can study and get paid too (computing assistants, security monitors, etc). i had an offcampus workstudy job for two years. it paid $13.47 an hour. twas sweet. now im working in an oncampus lab but making slightly less (but very very flexible hours). find something you enjoy doing but isnt as demanding to your schedule.

 

[Imported]

I was the same way.. breezed through high school.. then my first quarter last year was a real wide awakening. It didn't help I was forced to take 2 classes I didn't need nor want [Physics and Calc were required for CE major, but I decided to change majors a day after the drop class period ending]. Ended up getting a .89 cause I simply didn't care.. Coming into school this year, I'm up to a 2.9. Just read, pay attention to lectures, quit your job or get reduced hours. I'd rather have a scholarship and no job than no scholarship and a job.

 

[yellowperil]

Yeah, you should definitely consider taking out a loan, private or government (if you qualify). Also I think regardless of income you should qualify for federal work study, which is only minimum wage but at least you can work around your schedule, and during the daytime.

 

[bleeb]

Just become a porn star... easy money... fun work.

 

[RabidMongoose]

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: RabidMongoose
I would quit the job if I were in your situation. How much do you even earn per an entire semester with that job?

Around 450 bucks a week, not much, but the majority of it comes from earning tips as a driver. I have already cut back some of my hours (actually, I've pretty much devoted myself to working all of the time on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), but I can't see myself quitting - I'd have no way to support myself, or pay for my car and insurance, etc unless I wanted to drain my bank account (about 7k that I've saved up from delivering pizzas).

I can't do that, nor will I take out a loan to support myself (seriously, that's ludicrous in my mind).

Then you'll have to decide if it's worth spending more money and receiving better grades or earning the money you are now and receiving the same grades that you are right now. You're already depressed as hell, might as well try something new. Maybe you can beg your parents for some help...I know my parents would help me if I was in a similar situation...it's worth a shot.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: bleeb
Just become a porn star... easy money... fun work.

Yes, A fat porn star....With my luck, they'll be asking me to do gay fetish porn....:Q

 

[pkananen]

i did the same thing man....it sucks.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: RabidMongoose

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: RabidMongoose I would quit the job if I were in your situation. How much do you even earn per an entire semester with that job?

Around 450 bucks a week, not much, but the majority of it comes from earning tips as a driver. I have already cut back some of my hours (actually, I've pretty much devoted myself to working all of the time on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), but I can't see myself quitting - I'd have no way to support myself, or pay for my car and insurance, etc unless I wanted to drain my bank account (about 7k that I've saved up from delivering pizzas). I can't do that, nor will I take out a loan to support myself (seriously, that's ludicrous in my mind).

Then you'll have to decide if it's worth spending more money and receiving better grades or earning the money you are now and receiving the same grades that you are right now. You're already depressed as hell, might as well try something new. Maybe you can beg your parents for some help...I know my parents would help me if I was in a similar situation...it's worth a shot.

I don't know - I find debt to hella depressing too Currently, I think I haven't totally dug myself into a hole in the 3 classes, so if I can pull it together, maybe attend some workshops the campus offers, I can pass the classes. But, the Java class is almost certainly going to have to be dropped - we're too far in for me to catch up.......

I'm going to talk to a counselour tomorrow to weigh my options........