I wrote this on “what are my chances” I’ll just copy and paste the text in hopes that maybe more people might be here.
To sum things up, I am a 22 year old who graduated high school in 2011. Went to a state university for one semester, but my parents had me come home after one semester due to bad grades. I was put on academic probation after failing 3/5 classes. I came home and started CC spring 2012. I tried every semester on and off due to a lot of bad depression and long hospital stays. Each time I was in the hospital for a long time I would just withdraw from all my classes. As of right now I can no longer take ENGLISH 101 or MATH 101 because I signed up so many times and would withdraw before the end of the semester. Right now I’ve been out of the hospital for the longest streak ever, 6 months. I would LOVE to start my college experience over at a university preferably away from home. I need to push myself out of my comfort zone. My gpa right now at this community college is only 2.57. I signed up for many classes, but have only passed a handful of them. Also I haven’t had success with financial aid in the past, so I don’t really know how to pay for school either. Lastly, I’m interested in either photojournalism as a bachelors degree and then go into occupational therapy in the future.
The job prospects for photojournalism are slim to none — OT is a highly competitive field and you’ll have to have superior science work under your belt.
Frankly, it seems that college isn’t for you-- and there’s no shame in that whatsoever. Are there skills schools or apprenticeships that interest you? Is the military something you’d consider?
If you are interested in OT, why would you major in photojournalism.
I don’t think a 2.57 means that college isn’t for you, though; it sounds like you had some significant health challenges that made it difficult for you to achieve. However, that will make it difficult for you to transfer - although not impossible. It depends on your story and where you want to transfer to.
If you want to be an occupational therapist, one suggested course of action is to find a two-year program with an occupational therapy assistant’s program. Apply there, and complete that - then perhaps get some work experience for a few years and complete a BS later (either full-time or part-time). You could even transfer directly from an OTA associate’s program to a BS program depending on what you want to do.
Another thing is that many community colleges have articulation agreements with universities that allow you to automatically transfer if you achieve a certain GPA and other requirements. Talk to your CC to see what the requirements are for you to get readmitted and take math 101 and English 101 successfully this time. They might represent the best pathway to your state’s 4-year public universities.
Honestly, the best thing that you can use is time - time away from college, time to show that your previous missteps are behind you and that you are ready to focus on school again. Right now, focus on staying healthy for some time and perhaps working or taking one or two classes at a time.
@T26E4
I can’t let depression rule my life. Just because I’ve failed many times doesn’t mean I can NEVER graduate with a bachelors degree. My parents worked really hard to get to this country and complete their degrees. If they can do it, so can I. I can’t join the military. I have a mood disorder, so mental health + military= disqualification.
@juillet I can go to a two year program, but it would take me more than 2 years since I’ve taken all these random pre-req classes. I really would prefer to NOT go to a community college though. If I stay home at CC I am still stuck, not out at a regular university getting involved and making new friends. I personally do not like the CC atmosphere. Also I would choose photojournalism for my undergraduate degree so I can work in that field for a little, and then when ready go back to school for OT. Right now I couldn’t get into a bachelors/masters 5 year program anyways. I would have to do two separate degrees. Undergrad degree, THEN apply to OT schools. If I do a CC OT program I would have to go back to school to complete my bachelors and THEN go back for my masters as well.
Like I said before – photojournalism is not a career field anyone should look at in great expectation these days…
You need copies of all your transcripts and a long appointment with the transfer coordinator at your community college. There is always a path ahead, no matter has happened, but they will not be able to advise you without understanding exactly where you are now.
@T26E4 yeah, I have thought about that career realistically. Even thought it’s my “dream” job, I’m probably better off to just use photography as a hobby.@siliconvalleymom yes I realize to get any answer I need to sit down and have a good long talk with a school counselor. I’ve never actually sat down for more than 10 minutes with them though, they’re so eager to push you out the door. I’m going to see if they will somehow let me take those english and math classes again with their permission. If not I’ll have to go to ANOTHER community college to get those credits.
If your current CC has a Transfer Advisor or Transfer Coordinator, that is the person you want to meet with rather than the regular counselors. The transfer advisor’s whole job is to help students sort through issues specifically related to transferring. The other counselors’ jobs are to help students choose their classes and get their schedules to work. These are similar responsibilities, but they are distinct.
Transfer to a state school! I know some in NC only require a 2.00 GPA for transfers- explain your story and you have a real chance of getting in!
It might be best to just get general ed out of the way- you never know what classes might spark your interests.
Less selective state universities in some or many states may admit transfers with GPAs as low as 2.00, provided specific course requirements are met (preparation for your major and general education requirements). If English 101 is such a course requirement, you may have to find a different community college to take it at if you are no longer allowed to register for it at your regular community college.
@ifoundalaska Thanks, I just logged on today and saw your response. I’ve thought out transferring somewhere down south. I’ll look into some schools out there. (I’m from CT). And thanks @ucbalumnus I think given my situation my best bet is to look into state schools. I’m looking into taking that english class soon at another CC. I’m going to talk to a councilor at my school to see what they have to say. Thanks again!
Have you considered any of the health care related programs that the CCs offer?
In all honesty, no I haven’t @txstella. Those programs such as phlebotomy, medical assistant, x ray technician, and dental assistant do not interest me. All though they would be great job fields to go in, they’re just not interesting to me.
Our CC has an OT assistant program. That is why I brought this up.
You are 22. Get a full time job and formulate a firm plan about what you want to do in life. Getting a handle on your depression is the most important thing you need to do. You’ll feel great bringing in a paycheck and the successes a starter job will offer. Some low level municipal jobs will offer tuition reimbursement when you are ready to add school to your life. Don’t borrow any more money! Repeating your past plan is setting yourself up for more depression and disappointment. BTW OT is a very demanding and difficult major. Admission to programs is competitive. You may be dealing with patients with permanent disabilities. This might trigger your depression. Think about it.
I would echo what @julliet said. I worked in healthcare for 8 years in several different capacities. I think your best bet initially is a 2 yr OT assistant’s degree. Get some work experience under your belt (and let some time pass since your past issues). Then move forward from there. Not only will this help you assure that OT is for you, but you will have a MUCH easier time getting into a master’s program and finding employment once you are licensed.
I know this might not be what you want to hear, but seriously, there’s nothing wrong with easing into this. You are still very young. I was a freshman at 27 years old and my life has turned out great. You can do this, just be patient and keep an open mind.
My school does have an OT assistant program @txstella. I’m just hesitant, because if I do truely want a career in OT in the future (not assistant) I do have to start SOMEWHERE. When I calculate the time I’ve wasted in CC and how long it would take me to finish my associates in OTA it would take about 3 years. To practice as a full OT you need to first get your bachelors and THEN go to an MA program. I just feel like it would be a waste of time to start an OTA program now and then have to finish my bachelors and masters. I think if it was 3 years ago I would go for the program, but now I’d just be loosing time. That’s just my opinion…
Thanks for your response @OspreyCV22 . I will look into municipal jobs in my area. I do agree, getting completely stable is what’s best for me now. I just don’t want to be at the age of 28 still without a bachelors. I know OT is a very demanding job, but I also know I can’t just let my depression take over. Meaning, I can’t let my depression stop me from pursuing a career because of fear it will affect me. Also although it’s a tough major and career I think I should be put off from it because I have a health issue.
Thanks for the input @Cloudy206. I guess my best bet is to talk to someone at my school about their OTA program.To be completely honest I REALLY wanted to transfer schools so I could be away from family and gain some independance. That was my main reason to want to transfer. Would you think it would be unrealistic to go to an OTA program out of state? I think I’m just at the point now where I’m seeing all my peers graduating and living their lives. I’m at home with no friends and no job. I feel like I should just push myself out and go away and get my degree. :\