College Stress Support Group
This community is dedicated to the unique challenges and stresses of being in college or university, including: relationship challenges, roommates, financial issues, academics, and questions about careers and future. College is exciting, scary, fulfilling, and sometimes a little out of control. Get support from other students and make a new friend!
Hey guys,
I lost my job this past April, due to failing eyesight. They are teaching me how to do things rather I have vision or not, everyday living and mobility skills.
The trouble is, I have not been to college in 15 years.. They wanted me to take the CAAP test this past week. After I took the test, I became even more scared, because I had NO idea how to answer any of those questions :( I have even forgotten what the square root symbol looks like, much of less how to :(
I have forgotten all my algebra, how to do research and cite your work, I have forgotten all of those basic skills.
The trouble is, I came within 1 class of graduation 15 years ago. Now I am back to finish what I started, but they only want me to take a couple of classes since I have 60 credits already. they won't let me retake math and english because I already took all that 15 years ago.
Its just that my goal, is to get my Bachelors, and I'm sure I'll probably need to know all that algebra and research skills stuff to go further in my college career path
Vocational Rehab is paying for my college, so I can only take what my counselor recommends, otherwise Voc Rehab won't pay for it, and since I'm unemployed and can't get Financial aid without it (not uness I want to get a 30,000 loan I can't possibly pay back) I have to do what they say on that for the most part, and can't take anything extra besides what my degree requires.
I have to do a research paper for my Capstone class this coming month, and I have NO idea how to cite my work, or how to do research at all. I have to do research on 2 of my chosen career paths, giving advantages and disadvantages of each, and I don't know where to start? my career path is Computers, student directed studies, but I'm going towards Computer Networking. I don't know what job titles are in that field or anything, I don't know how to do research anymore, and I'm scared to death and stressed about it right now. Computers I can do, but I'm not good at all with using google and doing research and all that, how to know what to look for and all that.
Tom
I lost my job this past April, due to failing eyesight. They are teaching me how to do things rather I have vision or not, everyday living and mobility skills.
The trouble is, I have not been to college in 15 years.. They wanted me to take the CAAP test this past week. After I took the test, I became even more scared, because I had NO idea how to answer any of those questions :( I have even forgotten what the square root symbol looks like, much of less how to :(
I have forgotten all my algebra, how to do research and cite your work, I have forgotten all of those basic skills.
The trouble is, I came within 1 class of graduation 15 years ago. Now I am back to finish what I started, but they only want me to take a couple of classes since I have 60 credits already. they won't let me retake math and english because I already took all that 15 years ago.
Its just that my goal, is to get my Bachelors, and I'm sure I'll probably need to know all that algebra and research skills stuff to go further in my college career path
Vocational Rehab is paying for my college, so I can only take what my counselor recommends, otherwise Voc Rehab won't pay for it, and since I'm unemployed and can't get Financial aid without it (not uness I want to get a 30,000 loan I can't possibly pay back) I have to do what they say on that for the most part, and can't take anything extra besides what my degree requires.
I have to do a research paper for my Capstone class this coming month, and I have NO idea how to cite my work, or how to do research at all. I have to do research on 2 of my chosen career paths, giving advantages and disadvantages of each, and I don't know where to start? my career path is Computers, student directed studies, but I'm going towards Computer Networking. I don't know what job titles are in that field or anything, I don't know how to do research anymore, and I'm scared to death and stressed about it right now. Computers I can do, but I'm not good at all with using google and doing research and all that, how to know what to look for and all that.
Tom
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I have been here before, a long long time ago and now I am back.Forgive me for not just saying what I want to say,even under a triple dose of antidepressants it is still raw and seeping and I am hesitant at revealing it as at least under the bandages around my heart I don,t have to look at how raw and wounded.My child was cleaved from my heart by his own actions. my child of ten,turning eleven...
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
Anyway, good luck to you!
I know google can be intimidating but if it is just overwhelming, narrow your search. Search for very specific things... don't just type in algebra, type in "algebra" "solve for x" or "algebra tutorials" or whatever it is that you're having trouble doing.
Also, your school probably has a library too. Dont forget that there are books there that can help you too. Search the library catalogue for what you want to know. If you have trouble with this, talk to a librarian. They'll show you ways you never thought of to do research and help you find those books that just seem to be hiding in some invisible aisle.
By the way, I think its really wonderful you're going back to school to finish your degree. Congrats on that!
Finally, talk to your professors. I know it's scary but, realy, they won't think badly of you. They'll commend you for asking for help. If nothing else, they'll point you in the direction you need to go to find help.
I wish you lots of luck. Things will get better and you may find that things come back to you. I had to take a writting test for admittance and I had always thought I was a pretty good writer-well, I passed-barely.
I was very disappointed in myself-but I have improved greatly after I got back into the mindset of studying and writting papers.
Well, anyway best of luck.
Chunk your work into manageable pieces. Do only a PIECE of something if you have to. What I do, is I look and see what is due the next day for whatever class it is and I focus on that. I don't worry about future projects, all the OTHER reading I have to do. I just say, "Ok, what is the MOST IMPORTANT thing I need to do NOW?" Use a planner or even a sheet of paper that lists what you have to do "today" or this evening, or first thing in the morning. It will help with feeling overwhelmed.
Also, your college may have "career counselors" that can tell you what jobs are available after graduation and even the salaries! It's amazing what's out there, as long as you are not afraid to ask.
You will find that most people will be VERY HELPFUL. Everyone knows how hard it is to go back. I will FINALLY be getting my Bachelor's a month after I turn 40. I am so excited. You will be too! IT IS SO WORTH IT! CONGRATULATIONS on your decision to go back! GOOD LUCK!
I went back to school after 20 years so I know where you're coming from. I am working on my Master's in Childhood Education.
Try www.webmath.com for algebra. You put in the problem you are working on and the site gives you the answer as well as instructions on how to solve it.
Does your college have a writing or tutoring center? Maybe you could visit them to get help with your paper.
I finished my second Bachelor's in May and started Grad school in August. I have written a lot of papers in the last couple of years. I'll help if you'd like. Send me a message. :-)
You just enter in your sources (in either MLA or APA) and it formats them for you, and also shows you how to insert them into your paper! I have used it many times with great results. Also, every college I have been to has had a writing center of some sort, where you can get free help revising and editing your paper, and making sure the format and citations are correct.
Hope this helps, and good luck! You can do it!