I Might Be Dropping Out

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>DISCLAIMER: I've made up my mind and there's no point in telling me to stay in school and repeat the classes if I fail. I'm not going to do it. Please do read though and give some input.</p>

<p>OK, so, here's the deal:</p>

<p>I'm 17, and I hate school...It's gone downhill since I started HS...and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to fail 2 of my classes this year, one of which is required for graduation, and honestly, I couldn't bear to take either one of those classes again.</p>

<p>So...My plan if I do in fact fail the 2 classes? Get a GED through a local community college program, attend there for 2 years to get an ASN (Associates of Science - Nursing), and then decide whether I want to transfer and continue school to get a Bachelors degree.</p>

<p>My mom thinks this is a really bad plan. She's like, so what, if you fail you're just gonna drop out?</p>

<p>Is it? Or is it OK? I'll get a college degree either way. Even if I do stick high school out, there's a good chance I won't go past an Associates degree because that's how much I hate school, and in nursing, all you need is an RN license.</p>

<p>Also, I'm in NY. IS there anything special I need to do for the GED?</p>

<p>And yeah, if I pass, I'll finish high school and it'll all be fine and good in that respect, but, since there's a good chance of me failing, I have to have a plan for that.</p>

2

<p>Why don't you just have a plan for studying harder so you won't fail? D, btw, does not count as failing, so try to maintain at least a D.</p>

<p>edit--
i just saw your Profile. you have a weighted gpa of 3.5! that's not bad at all, and it's WAY BETTER than dropping out.</p>

3

<p>Have you talked to the community college to make sure your plan will work and you will be able to get the ASN? Then have you investigated whether an ASN is enough to get a job as a nurse? If all that checks out then it sounds like a good plan. I have several friends who are nurses and they say there are plenty of jobs for nurses.</p>

4

<p>Sushifureak - Classes are over. I have an F for the quarter in at least one of the 2 classes, but most likely in both. My math final is on Monday, and if I fail that (which is definitely possible considering that I suck at math, and had a horrible teacher this year, and I know the final is going to be hard...I failed most of the quizzes to prep us for it), if I got an F for the fourth quarter, I automatically fail the course. My Physics final is later, but I doubt I'll pass it. I passed maybe 1/6 of the tests we took in class this year...And I studied for most of them.</p>

<p>dsultemeier - Yes. I've looked at the CC's website and it clearly states that people in their GED program can enroll as soon as they pass. Even if I don't do that program and get a GED, you just need to complete 12 credits at the CC to 'prove' you're good enough. And yeah, an ASN in fine for being a regular RN. To go into management or anything, you need to get a BS, and I might do that at some point, but not now.</p>

5

<p>SingDanceRunLife, you hate school and trust me, a lot of people do. So, the important thing is, do you hate school in general or do you have interest in only a small set of classes? If it's the latter, I think that you should follow your first idea (GED) if you fail. It'll take you maybe more time to get through, but what matters is the result no? If you are passionate by nursing, or anything else for that matter, go on. You'll be able to do whatever you want! Just be sure that it will work.</p>

<p>Your mom is reacting like every mother in this world would: she wants what she think is best for her children. And in this case, this is going to college straight away, with a high school diploma. Make her know about all the options you can pursue with a GED, bring her flyers, show her websites. Then, she'll be able to evaluate her opinion of this with the facts. And remember, it's your life, not hers you're living with. You don't seem happy in high school, but you must really want to be a nurse, so do what's best for you.</p>

<p>I don't know about the regulations in NY, so I can't help you with that. Hope I helped you figure this whole issue out.</p>

<p>And, sorry for the wordiness. I tend to do that a lot :)</p>

6

<p>What happens if you hate community college or when you fail a class required for your associate's degree? Will you drop out then, too?</p>

7

<p>It seems like you planned everything out pretty well. It's not ideal, but if you stick to your plan, everything will work out. At my school, I think more people transfer to 4 year colleges after community college that go straight to college.</p>

8

<p>You have to ask yourself how you will like Community College. You're pretty much going to have to deal with some of the same classes as in high school. Why did you fail in the first place?</p>

<p>It's good that you're still getting a college education but at what cost?</p>

9

<p>What if you don't like nursing? </p>

<p>And it seems as though you've made up your mind so why ask for our opinions?</p>

10

<p>How did you go from wanting to go to Cornell to dropping out of high school in less than 2 months? </p>

<p>Troll?</p>

11

<p>LOL @ roman's comment.</p>

12

<p>cherie - I hate the required classes that are a complete and utter waste of time. I hate the really strict rules, the class schedule, how I have to be there all day, how I'm hardly learning anything that I'll have to use for what I want to do.</p>

<p>owlice - I'll make sure not to get in over my head. If that means going part time, so be it. But I will get everything done, and definitely NOT drop out at CC. Part of my problem in high school is that I'm waiting too long to get started on what I want to do which is nursing. I can do that at CC.</p>

<p>Lisst - One of the main differences of HS and CC is that in HS, the classes are just for a diploma. At CC, they're going to help you get a degree and learn the stuff you'll need for whatever job you choose. As to why I might fail? Well, I suck at math, had a terrible math teacher, and have struggled with depression, anxiety and OCD this year.</p>

<p>roman - If I don't like nursing, I'll find something else to do. How many people change their major or career in their lifetime? Lots. It wouldn't be the end of the world. Why am I asking your opinions? Because I want to know them. And as to the Cornell thing...I've never wanted to go to Cornell. However, my parents have always wanted me to! There's a difference. See, I'm the type of person who tries to make others happy, even if it means giving up some things for myself. So, I told my parents I would apply to Cornell. They want me to. I've also told them that I'm not going there.</p>

13

<p>Just follow your heart!</p>

<p>Haha, I agree. I doubt I'm going to use anything I've learned in middle school and high school in my life. Education should be based upon the knowledge a citizen wishes to acquire for his or her goals in life, not the stressful system we have today where grades can mess you up and decide your future and whatnot.</p>

<p>I really hate school, but I understand how important it is, so I try my hardest. Sounds fine, and it's your life. Do you what you want with it. Me personally, I need a humongous mansion and nice cars to be happy haha.</p>

14

<p>If you have been dealing with depression, anxiety, and OCD this year, that really sucks, and I'm sorry you've had to deal with these things. Are these issues under control? (I don't want an answer; just want you to answer for yourself.) If not, please do what is needed (therapy, meds, counseling, exercise, etc.) to get them under control. I see this as your first priority --- take care of yourself. After that, deal with the school issue.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Part of my problem in high school is that I'm waiting too long to get started on what I want to do which is nursing.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>You have to take classes that have nothing to do with nursing before you get a degree in nursing. You have to take different classes to give you the educational underpinnings needed before you take nursing classes. I had nursing students in my Psychology 101 class. I had nursing students in my Biology 101 class. I had nursing students in my Norse Myths class.</p>

<p>Have you looked at what classes you would actually have to take to get an associate's degree? A bachelor's?</p>

<p>Here's the curriculum from one community college for its nursing students: <a href="http://www.mccc.edu/pdf/catalog/cat06-09_programs_8-07update_72-73.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.mccc.edu/pdf/catalog/cat06-09_programs_8-07update_72-73.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Math, English Composition, psychology and other general ed courses are required. </p>

<p>Here's another curriculum, this one from a state university's School of Nursing: BSN</a> Prerequisites - University of Maryland School of Nursing - Education | Research | Community Service | Public Health | Hospital</p>

<p>Math, English, psychology, humanities courses, statistics, sociology... </p>

<p>
[quote]
I hate the really strict rules, the class schedule, how I have to be there all day,

[/quote]
</p>

<p>How are you going to feel about working, then? There are really strict rules, a schedule, you have to be there all day...</p>

<p>I'm not expecting to change your mind about your plan. I don't think your plan is a particularly good one, as to me, it looks like you are running away from something that you should figure out and fix as best you can instead, but I don't expect to change your mind about it. Just want you to know that from where I sit, you are running toward something that is even more of what you say you don't like.</p>

<p>Were you to be asking for advice rather than for opinions, I'd suggest that you look into summer school, distance learning, tutoring, or night high school to deal with the class that you say you are failing but which is required for graduation. If math is a problem for you and you don't need the particular class you are taking now for graduation, you might want to look into taking a different math course, and you might want to take it differently -- distance learning, for example -- than you are taking it now.</p>

<p>But first, take care of yourself; that's the most important thing. Everything else comes after that.</p>

15

<p>You might think it's a good option for you right now.</p>

<p>However, ask yourself this. Will you regret doing this in 10, 20, 30 years when you're an adult? I know I will. If you admit defeat now, chances are, it will only become more easy to admit defeat in tasks facing you in the future. Don't give in. Listen, your stats are probably better than 80% of America's students. Don't think CC can generalize all HS students. You're up there. Try to retake some classes during the summer.</p>

16

<p>alex:</p>

<p>
[quote]
I doubt I'm going to use anything I've learned in middle school and high school in my life.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>If you don't use anything you've learned in middle school and high school later in life, you're living way way way too boring a life. It's nice to be educated, to know things, just for the sake of knowing them, and it makes one a better citizen and parent.</p>

<p>If you'd rather be one of those people who needs a war in order to learn where a country is, however, you have plenty of company. Alas.</p>

17

<p>Think this through. A CC nursing degree does not make you an RN, it makes you the kind of nurse that cleans bed pans. If you've done well up until now maybe you just need a break. Maybe apply to do a study abroad program for your last year of HS.</p>

18

<p>You're in NY, so what about doing a BOCES nursing program next year?</p>

19

<p>owlice - Yeah. I'm in therapy and on meds...But after this year, I know how things can get for me. And see, the difference between taking classes that have nothing to do with nursing in college and taking them in high school is that in college, they'll help you get your degree. By the way, your examples of Psych and Bio are really bad. Those have a lot to do with nursing! Working is also different. I can choose what I do for working. </p>

<p>azsxdc - I've made up my mind and I absolutely will not retake the classes!</p>

<p>newyorka - Actually, you're wrong. A CC nursing program makes you eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN (the exam that you need to pass to be a Registered Nurse). You're thinking Certified Nursing Assistant. You don't even need to go to school for that.</p>

<p>Johnson - A BOCES program would be good...But that doesn't help me graduating if I fail math because as I said, I will not take that again!</p>

20

<p>You know what? As a parent, I would hate to see my kids take the GED path. However, as a former student, I know first-hand how some math teachers do not seem to understand how some kids just don't "get" it. When you go for extra help, they tend to explain it the same way they just did in class. Well, if you didn't get it the first time, you can explain it til you're blue in the face, but I won't get it until you say it in a way my non-math brain can get it.</p>

<p>Therefore, I say follow the plan that will work best for you. You won't regret it in 10, 20, 30 years because you did it your way. Your plan will probably "grow" and change along the way, but as long as you have a viable plan, work it. And remember, there is no race to the end. Take your time, take as many classes that you can handle. Good luck, and kudos for having a plan, instead of just dropping out.</p>