Hi,
This is my first post on cc, so if this is in the wrong section, I apologize in advance.
I just finished my fourth year at a top research university. I have had horrible grades all throughout and have been in and out of academic probation multiple times. I tried to focus and get through school but it has been very very difficult. I was recently informed that I have been suspended due to poor academic standing with about a year’s worth of credits until I graduate. This means that if I am reinstated in a year and I do not fail anymore, I will complete my bachelor’s degree in 6 years total. I just told my parents about this and they were both understandibly devastated.
When I am at school, all motivation seems to escape me. I lose appetite and sleep long hours. I feel anxious when I think about going to class and often skip class because of this. I honestly don’t know what to do with myself anymore. I think I want to drop out and go to vocational school. Maybe I can stop being such a burden and failure to my parents if I just start doing a trade. I try telling my folks how tough school is but they hear none of it. They say I’ll never be a man. I’m in distress right now. If anyone can offer any advice or words…anything would be greatly appreciated.
Take a break for now and go back when you are motivated to go. I think it is a big waste of money to enroll in classes and then not attend them. You should discuss your motivation problems with your doctor as you may benefit from treatment for depression.
What’s your major? Do you have a job? Are you parents supporting you financially?
Neuroscience. No job. Parents are supporting me but they told me they are OK with this and want to support me through grad school if I choose to go with that route.
I have some experience being a teaching assistant and have been offered positions in research. But school, it’s a different beast entirely.
I can understand your feeling as I was like you in HS. I barely graduated from HS with a lot of repeated classes. I went to the military after my graduation and in military I grewed up and learned how to act to become a useful person in a society.
I am not saying that you should follow my steps to go to military, but I think your lack of motivation is caused by immaturity. You need to take some time off to learn the society and the world. Reliant on your parents is another problem of causing immaturity. Money was handed to you by your parents, you have never earn it on your own. As the other poster had pointed out, you should take a year or two and try to earn the ropes yourself, perhaps it will let you mature and be more responsive to your academics.
Thank you for the advices.
I agree with @CheddarcheeseMN that you should speak to your doctor about being evaluated for depression and/or anxiety. I think your issues go beyond immaturity, to be honest. But I’m just a stranger on the internet, and it’s professionals who you should consult. Good luck!