Leave UVa?

Colleges & Universities University of Virginia
10

<p>Go back to FL. I’m going to address this in a slightly different manner. (1) Are you willing to be miserable just to stick it to your dad? (2) Do you actually understand how this would destroy your relationship with him? The man clearly loves you.</p>

<p>My general experience has been that trying to undermine your parents just makes you miserable. Story time: My dad’s one requirement for ugrad was to get a BS (the other major/minor could be anything), and we had a big fight over it during my first year. I was in an idealistic place where I wanted to major in foreign affairs and philosophy, etc. Considered sticking it to Dad and taking out major loans. I eventually said, well screw it, I’ll get a BS in Anthropology (no offense to Anthro majors, but that was not what my Dad was talking about…). Signed up for anthro classes, was miserable, went back and signed up for science classes. Ended up with two science majors and a random minor. And that isn’t even the tip of the iceberg.</p>

<p>I think your dad may know you better than you think. I never give mine enough credit, and the man is a saint for dealing with me. Half the time I try to do exactly the opposite of what he recommends. He used to stop me, but realized I would do what I wanted anyway. At the end of my rebellion and inevitable stress/grief on my side, I would inevitably call him and say those magic words: “Dad, you were right.” (That’s right, parents on this thread, chuckle all you want.)</p>

<p>Just a couple of warnings if you do decide to stick it to your dad:

  1. It will take a huge toll on your relationship with your father. I could never imagine my life without my dad, and I would never be where I am (or who I am) without his support. So again I ask: Is alienating your dad worth an illusion of control?
  2. You have literally no money. Your lifestyle as you know it will be gone. We never realize how much our parents pay for (health insurance, car + associated fees, maintenance, insurance, food, clothing, rent, utilities, play money, backup money, etc) When that money is gone, you’ll have to make large sacrifices.</p>