Feeling lost in my college journey

So basically, the school couldn’t do anything for me regarding my bill.

But my family and I had another conversation, and they worked out a way to pay off the bill. One parent was responsible for paying the bill in total, and the other parent told me they’ll figure out a plan to pay for this upcoming semester, so I’m going back for the spring.

For a little bit more context, one parent was responsible for paying my siblings’ bill (during their undergrad) and the other parent was responsible for paying mine. Since this one parent had to be in the hospital for quite some time, they had to focus on that. So the other parent stepped in.

In our conversation, they asked me what did I honestly want to do. I was blunt and told them I waned to stay, but not if we are going to be in the same predicament in August. So they came up with the money at the very last minute.

I was also honest with them that if I do go this semester, this will be my last semester here. As much as I don’t want to transfer again, I don’t have any other choice. The school is going to be a constant financial burden, and I just need my degree. But I need more time to figure that out.

I think everyone on this thread as well as the other one gave really good advice, and I really do appreciate it. I was very close to just withdrawing and getting a job, because there was nothing else I could do. But my family told me since I’ve been getting straight A’s since I’ve been here, if I really wanted to go back this semester, they’d find a way for me to. So I took that deal.

Truthfully, the thought of me being out of school, even for a semester, was making me feel depressed, and I think they noticed that. School is literally all I have. I do nothing else. I felt like I was gonna go insane if I didn’t at least be in a class. I was originally gonna take classes at another university as a non matriculating student, but I was told I could not receive any financial aid for it.

I was hesitant on coming back and saying what I did since I basically did the opposite of what you all told me to do. But I figured since you even took the time out to give me advice, I’d let you know what happened (if there’s even anyone still following the thread)

I also know it won’t be much, but I am still actively looking for a part-time job this semester. I wasn’t awarded federal work study, so it is likely I’d have to find a job elsewhere.

So again, I thank you guys for all of your advice, but this was the route I chose to go. I am still taking most of the advice into consideration. I’m transferring after this semester to a school in my state that will be offering transfer scholarships. I already have a few schools in mind.

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Thank you for the update. Make this semester count and I am rooting for you to find funds to continue past this semester at your HBCU…

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I for one am glad you came back and updated us. I don’t think anyone should find fault in your plan. I’m rooting for you.

I think it’s great that you will get to continue this coming semester and that your parents are able to cover it. I think it’s wise to transfer after that. I think things will work out for you in the end. Good luck moving forward.

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Glad you got things worked out. All best wishes for your future.

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This is a great update. Bills paid, semester taken care of. I am glad things worked out for you for the semester.

With straight As at the HBCU maybe the school can try to find a way to help you finish your degree. Make time this semester to go sit down with them. Many are trying to increase their graduation rates and do not want to lose good students.

At the same time look at your transfer options with intended major and your credits. You need to find somewhere that is going to help you get the most out of your existing credits that is also affordable. It may be an instate college near home, but make sure credits will transfer for the major you want.

The HBCU sounded like they did not have your exact major but you were also not sure what the career interests in public health education and possible major connect. Maybe you can volunteer someplace that is involved in public health.

If your college uses degree works, there is a “what if” feature that lets you play with different options for majors and shows your current credits and transfer credits. You may find you can finish a degree at the HBCU with just 2 more semesters and maybe a summer class at home this summer. That may be cheaper than 4 semesters somewhere else. Go talk to someone at the college who can help you assess what you can get a degree in with the shortest route. Your first transfer in the middle of Covid sounds like they did not help you much.

I wish you all the best!

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This semester I am planning on taking places that will fit into specific schools I am looking at . So for instance I am avoiding African American studies because I know the schools I am looking at do not have them apart of the graduation scheme. I want to make sure every class counts, so I don’t have to bumped down another semester.

In my previous university, I majored in Public Health and now here I major in Health Education. I thought they were pretty much the same thing, but with the courses they kinda don’t line up the same. So now I’m looking for a school that has Public Health specifically.

I feel like at my particular HBCU, since it is so popular, they already have so many great students. I kinda feel like if they lose me, it won’t even make a dent. But having a conversation with them is definitely something I’m gonna do. I have already contacted the dean of my school and they sent me a form for scholarships. They said it wouldn’t be guaranteed I’d get it since the requirements may be really specific, but I gave it a shot anyway.

My school does use degree works, and I had no idea what the “what if” feature was. Thank you! I will be playing around with that.

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I am glad you found a way to complete the school year and transfer in a more methodical way.

You might see if you could work part-time for the local county public health department — it could boost your transfer application, too. Consider paying a visit to your university’s career service office — they might have some connections and advice in that regard.

Best wishes.

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Great idea!

@GoldenMindset thank you for updating us. It’s very much appreciated when students follow up. It means that we were able to make a difference in some small way. I have bookmarked this thread. I suspect a few of us old timers would love a follow up from you in a year or two. Best of luck!

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Wishing you all the best! I’m glad you are able to enroll for this coming semester!

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You sure seem to have a mature approach to all of this! I think you have a bright future ahead of you.

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I have followed this thread for a while. I didn’t post any advice because people were already posting such great information and suggestions. But I’ve been really impressed with how respectful, kind, and invested everyone was.

You sound like you’ve got a really solid plan. I hope you get some scholarships that will allow you to stay at your school. If not, I hope you find a great school that takes most of your credits and allows you to get the degree in the major you want.

I wish you success in school and then in your career. And I’m very sorry to hear about your parent’s medical issues. Hang in there. You have a lot of people who obviously care about you, and you’ve managed to expand that here in CC. Good luck!

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