Please help, I'm really in need of advice/perspective

Parent Cafe
1

<p>I probably have one of the most “unique” stories on this board, which is why I am starting a new thread because I couldn’t find the answers I was looking for.
Quick background:
I am 19 years-old
I was accepted into a very prestigious (and expensive) college
I was recruited at said school
I left for school in the Fall of 2012, I graduated high school in June 2012
After only two weeks into the semester, the medical problem that had begun months prior became out-of-control and the pain was so unbearable that I couldn’t move, never mind function as a college student
I had to take a medical leave of absence, which was difficult for me, although I knew it was necessary for me to get healthy
While on leave, the team that I was recruited for and had been on went on to win the national championship
Once the pain was under control, I prepared to head back to school in the Spring of 2013
I was ecstatic to be returning, and get a “fresh start” to my freshman year that had begun oh so badly
The first month back, I was having the time of my life. Dare I say that I actually enjoyed homework and going to class :slight_smile:
As soon as I was getting back into the groove of things, a gigantic and unforeseeable wrench was thrown into my plans- seizures…
Unbeknownst to me, my years as an elite athlete in a contact sport and multiple concussions, and two separate instances of post concussive syndrome because I was stubborn and received multiple concussions within the same week, and traumatic brain injury. These decisions are something that I will have to live with for the rest of my life, and are my greatest regrets
The trauma to my brain and spinal cord left me on my first semester back at college having up to 20 seizures a day
I tried to fight through them and was able to keep them from my parents for over a month, and had incredible friends who watched out for me and came to my rescue when I was seizing and in need of help
I wanted nothing more than to stay at school and did everything I could to make it through the semester, but a 4 hour seizure left me in the hospital never to return to my dorm
Since then, I’ve been seeing doctors, getting treatments, hammering down a definitive diagnosis, working, and taking time to recuperate
I’ve just registered for classes at a small commuter school near home, so that I can earn credits and give my brain some much needed use</p>

<p>Sorry, that wasn’t really a “quick” synopsis, but I believe the information above is needed in order to understand where I am coming from. It is my goal to return to school in the Fall of 2014, so long as I am healthy. My dilemma here is wether or not to return to my previous college. I truly loved my time, short as it was, while I was there. I was unable to play my sport while I was there and all activity is strictly prohibited, for obvious reasons. Despite this, I enjoyed myself. The thing is that there were so many negative experiences, which were borderline traumatic, ranging from my first seizure alone in my dorm room, stuck on the floor incapacitated by pain, unable to move or speak for hours; to waking up in the emergency room hearing the ER doctor call for an intubation tube. Weighing the pros and cons, I’m not sure that I want to go back. I understand that this is a personal decision that only I can make, but I would appreciate the perspective of others. I have the option of starting over as a freshman at my state school, which is much closer to home and is a reputable school. That plus the fact that it is 1/5 the price of my former school makes me wonder if it would be in my best interest to switch schools. One more hang up, superficial as it is, is the reputation of my former school. It’s always an ego boost when you tell people that you go to X school and see how impressed they are and tell you that you must be a genius. It’s not much, but part of me contemplates that when I eventually apply to med school (assuming that is the career path I want to take) the name of my school will hold clout. I know that in comparison to everything else I’ve gone through it isn’t much, but there’s also this feeling that i won’t get the same experience going to a state school. </p>

<p>I’m not asking anyone to tell me what to do, I understand that is my decision. I am still young and understand that my judgment might be impaired; all I’m asking for is guidance and perspective of other parents who could speak as just that, parents, who can imagine their own children going through this and what they think would the best course of action. I have spoken with my parents, but they have lived through this ordeal with me and have trouble even talking about me going back to school…</p>

<p>I truly appreciate those of you have made it this far (sorry about the length) and anyone who takes the time to respond. All the best!</p>

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<p>I am so glad to read that you are doing better. You have written a very good post and have given good information.
I went to a name school for two years, really just for my pride. Then I transferred and went to the state school and actually had a better life. I also turned down a different state school originally with full scholarship as it was not “good” enough.
In the end your health and your comfort zone is all that matters. I guarantee you that in 5 years no one will care what college you graduated from.</p>

<p>D is in medical school–2nd year. She did not take a single science class after H.S. Her B.S was English and French. She got a M.S. in Teaching. She did Teach for America. She worked for a publishing company in NYC. She then did her sciences over 2 years to be a Vet and THEN she decided to go to Medical School. She is now 30 and loving loving her Medical School experience.
P.M. me if you want–life can take many turns but you ARE young and need to have input</p>

3

<p>“I’ve just registered for classes at a small commuter school near home, so that I can earn credits and give my brain some much needed use.”</p>

<p>Please make sure and find out if your former school will allow you to return if you take any classes somewhere else. Some colleges will not allow you to return without going through the application process again and depending on how “prestigious” the first college was you may lose that option to go back.</p>

4

<p>If money is an object (and it usually is), the state school may make more sense. Assuming you do go to medical school, you’ll need your money (or your parents’ money) for that.</p>

<p>Medical schools are less impressed by prestigious-named schools than the rest of us. They’ll be looking at your transcript, not the name of your school.</p>

<p>Congratulations on getting your health under control. Your eagerness to get back on track will help you navigate whatever comes your way.</p>

5

<p>I can tell you that as a parent I would much prefer you to be closer to home after such serious medical issues. If you don’t have a very strong personal pull towards prestigious U, then I suggest you go elsewhere, and save the money for med school, assuming money is at least somewhat a concern. Glad to hear you’re getting healthy and are able to go back to school.</p>

6

<p>I personally believe that you should go to your state school. Glad that you’re better after such a terrible ordeal.</p>

<p>Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk</p>

7

<p>I also think you should go to your state school and do well, stay healthy, and be grateful for every day.
Going to Prestigious U also has downsides. While some may be impressed, others may think you are “too good for them” or at least think you think so. There’s a lot of push back from some people who consider those from elite colleges as “not like the rest of us.”</p>

<pre><code>The fact that your state school is very good, is very inexpensive, is close to your family and you have a few concerns about returning to the old school really points to starting over at the state U. Get the best grades you can, as med schools look at GPA, not where you went to school.
</code></pre>

<p>Having gone through serious medical issues yourself will probably help you become a very compassionate doctor. Good luck to you!</p>

8

<p>Thank you all for your responses! It’s very helpful to hear other’s experiences and know that everything will work out in the end. I think what I was looking for was affirmation that it is okay to take a different path than I started out on. I still have plenty of time to make a decision, but hearing your input puts my fears to rest- and I see the advantages that attending my state school can afford me and my family. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read and answer my call for assistance.</p>

9

<p>It is good to hear that you are recovering. Your story is very similar to that of Briana Scurry (World Cup Soccer Champion) and Emily Oliver (celebrated Stanford University national champion). They too suffered multiple concussions and cannot return to their sport.
This type of neurological injury can cause processing delays and memory loss. It seems best to stay near home where you can get whatever support you need. You may have to be flexible about school work and the number of classes you take at one time. It may be difficult to focus your attention and work under pressure. You may need to have continued follow up by neurology and neuropsychology. You can go to the disabilities office at any university and request academic support, such as extended testing time. These accomodations will be helpful in optimizing your academic success. You just have to request them and present your doctor’s letter documenting your needs. Good luck with your continuing recovery. You sound very thoughtful and seem to be on the path of making some good decisions for your future.</p>