How do I get out of this mess?

College Confidential Community
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<p>I have a terrible record and feel gridlocked.</p>

<p>I graduated high school in 07 with mediocre grades from Alhambra High School in Southern California; I then started attending community college at Pasadena City College (PCC) where I stayed for 5 years! I never matriculated and my only accomplishment was taking Calculus 3 – I only went up to pre-Algebra in high school. I’ve now been at East Los Angeles Community College (ELAC) for 2 years doing just as bad, but now littering my record by failing odd subjects like 3d animation – it’s something I’ve been studying passionately on my own time since I am a hermit; I stopped showing up to the class because I felt out of place being in a class with nothing but 18 year-olds and sitting by myself – this was before seeing the psychiatrist - I stopped showing to these classes because I was living in a dissociative fantasy land.</p>

<p>I suffered from severe social anxiety and depression during these years: hiding in the restrooms and library, never asking questions, never eating when I had classes all day on campus, not being able to drive and taking the bus instead, etc…</p>

<p>I have most of my GED done: all my chemistries, maths, English (except for the last one), U.S. history, U.S. government, 2 out of the 4 physics, etc… All I need, I think, is the last English class, Speech 101 (I dislike this class, especially when it gets to the part where we have to make a speech revealing things about ourselves), and maybe a few social science classes which I just role my eyes at. My major was computer science, but I’ve recently changed my mind and want to go into nursing, maybe become an RN.</p>

<p>How do I get out of this mess? My registration dates are too late and I can’t get any of the classes I need. I’ve recently started seeing a psychiatrist and taking medication, so I’m ready to tackle school again. The first thing I’m trying to tackle is seeing an academic counselor at ELAC, but I’ve made so many appointments and dropped them at the last minute. What are these people going to think?</p>

<p>I’m 24 years old and a male.</p>

<p>edit- I left PCC because I began to feel out of place, it was too far, and I dreaded seeing a professor of a class I dropped or was taking for the 3rd+ time - PCC has separate buildings for departments, so it was inevitable.</p>

<p>edit- I wish I could just start over. I’m only limited to state colleges now like California State University, Los Angeles, but I’ve heard those colleges are suffering from impaction. Do I have to move to Texas, where my uncle lives, to start fresh? That’s another thing, I think the Southern California area is toxic to my health.</p>

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<p>Starting over might not be a bad thing. But moving to another state would, I think, involve establishing residency for a year before becoming eligible to take classes at the in-state tuition rate. I do think that you need to address the personal issues that caused you difficulties in the past, so the outcome can be different this time. How about trying one course right now, and maybe that one could be an online course? Finishing that course successfully would give you confidence to take more in the future. You are still young, and have your whole life in front of you. A few hiccups like you have had are fairly common. If you have a clear goal, and have done what you are able to overcome your difficulties, and have a good support system, I would think you could be very successful. It would be great to hear a few years from now, that you have become an RN! </p>

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<p>First of all, congrats on turning a corner with your anxiety! It can be a difficult thing to do, but seeing a psychiatrist and taking medication is a great step.</p>

<p>MakeMom, has some excellent suggestions. I recommend the online courses at Santa Monica College. I found them to be engaging and challenging.</p>

<p>Also, look into a process called Academic Renewal. It varies from school to school, but at SMC it can replace some D or F grades from 2+ years ago, if you repeat the class. That might help clean up your transcript a bit.</p>

<p>Don’t feel like you have to limit your transfer schools to just CSULA. Many, (and I mean MANY) people have had rough semesters and come back to transfer to top schools. Just focus one class at a time.</p>

<p>I am sorry to keep pushing SMC, but that is the CCC I am most familiar with. If you feel okay with the online class, you might want to consider some on campus. There are a couple specific things that might help you out. First, the ages in my on campus classes range from right out of HS, all the way to 35+. I have never heard anyone say anything negative AT ALL about the age differences. If anything, it just leads to more interesting class discussions! So, being 24 will not be a big deal at all. I think you will find many people your age. SMC also has different programs that allow for priority registration. (Not all the ones on this list have priority registration, but its still a good list <a href=“http://www.smc.edu/StudentServices/Counseling/Pages/Counseling-Programs.aspx”>http://www.smc.edu/StudentServices/Counseling/Pages/Counseling-Programs.aspx&lt;/a&gt; )</p>

<p>The biggest thing is to not give up! Take it one class at a time, and just do your honest, best work. I wish you all the luck in your path to becoming an RN!</p>

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<p>There are many students at college with different anxieties and disabilities that make it extremely hard for them to complete classes and do things that come very easy to other students. Trust me, you are not alone. You may want to speak to someone in the Office of Disability services - they offer accommodations and help students with anxiety. They can also help as a mediator/supporter between you and teachers and advisors.</p>

<p>I’m not sure this would work if you are still trying to become an RN, but you should definitely consider online courses.</p>