<p>Hello,
I am in my second semester of college, and I am really having a hard time. I live at home, and I am taking distance courses through a community college. I can't go on campus, because it is too far to drive. Last semester, which was my first semester, I did really well. I was very overwhelmed and nervous about all the assignments, so I had a big incentive to really work hard and concentrate. I also kind of wanted to prove myself...that I was smart enough to do college. I worked all day, and since I was doing well in my courses, it gave me an incentive to keep going. It was also helpful to get positive feedback from my instructors. I took 16 credits, and I got a 4.00 GPA, with many enthusiastic comments from my instructors. Towards the end of the semester though, I was getting burned out little bit. </p>
<p>This semester, I have absolutely no incentive. I try to work hard, but I just can't concentrate. Since I can't concentrate, I end up putting my assignments off until the last minute. I really don't like many of my courses or my instructors. They are not personable over the web, compared to my previous instructors. They spend as little time as possible on the courses and on answering your questions, and they don't comment much on your work. Also, I don't have many friends, since I am not in high school anymore, and I don't have any college friends, because I am not on campus. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Maybe if you talk to someone or thought about what your purpose is in CC then you will be able to narrow your focus rather than just “get good grades”. ie) You can motivate yourself by thinking about transferring to a 4 year college. Maybe your talents lie in different endeavors? I can totally understand how not being able to stay on campus is difficult. You probably need to take some time off to reevaluate what you are doing. I think that if you talked to someone about it, then your motives would be more clear. As for the lack luster teachers, there’s not much you can do about that–sorry to say that.</p>
<p>Can you transfer after this year to a college where you can live on campus? Are there scholarships at 4-year public and community colleges for in-state students with good stats? </p>
<p>It can be very depressing and lonely to be in a situation in which it’s hard to make friends. Are there any activities in your area in which you could become involved and meet people of your age with similar interests? That may make it easier for you to focus on your on-line courses.</p>
<p>First thing is first, there is ALWAYS incentive to do well. Please try to work hard and stick it out this semester. </p>
<p>I agree with Northstarmom that there might be the option of transferring, living on campus, and feeling more connected with people/your schoolwork - but you cannot do this if your grades fall signficantly and reduce the chance of getting into the school you want and/or scholarship money you may need to attend.</p>
<p>Remember that there is ALWAYS an incentive to do well, even if your teachers suck and the classes are boring…otherwise you will look back on this moment and regret it forever. There are things you can do to make yourself happier, but keep your options open in the meantime, don’t close any doors inadvertently.</p>
<p>While you’re prepping up to potentially transfer, try things like going to the gym or joining community sports teams, theater, etc. There are ways to get out and keep busy so you don’t feel so lonely, and you may even make friends through these avenues :).</p>