Undecided and Lost

I disagree with the advice to “justt do it” which is like the old “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” kind of suggestion. Your situation may be more complicated than just, um, trying harder.

It may be that you aren’t currently inclined toward academics for whatever reason. Burnout, stress, depression, undiagnosed ADHD-or you have some other interst or talent that is not being tapped. Go with your interest and strenghts and get help for any problems you perceive, if any.

I understand your mom wants you to stay in school. But I am hoping maybe a meeting with you, her and a counselor could reassure her. Your mom just wants you to be secure and happy and thinks college is the only way to go for that. There ARE other paths and also there ARE other ways to do college, slowly, over a few years.

There is no need to fear a leave. Leaving school for awhile to work or maybe alsovolunteer can be really clarifying. Many many people do this for one reason or another and return at an older age or get their degree while working . Check out continuing ed or the possibility of taking one or two classes at a time. Financial aid requires two but at some schools, you can take one online class at a time for a half semester each.

And I know some really bright and capable kids who went back to coummity college after being at a residential school, and did radiology tech or some other certificate and have good paying jobs. Sometimes after a BA. I have friends who went to the North Bennett Street School for piano tuning and building. Another friend, who has a BA, is now a boat builder (there is a school in Brooklyn Maine). The National Outdoor Leadership School trains instructors and medics for wilderness trips and has finanicial aid. There are lots of ways to earn a living and train for it.

It sounds like you really need a change and need help and support for that and I hope you find it. (Again, my kid left, worked at low level jobs, went back p/t and is almost done at 29. Mature kid doing well.)

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