My Indian parents and I are having difficulties

<p>I am currently going to community college and have enough credits to transfer but I want to take a break. I want to stay another semester and take classes I have been interested in, try out some internships related to my field, and figure some stuff out. </p>

<p>Unfortunately, my parents think that is ridiculous and think I simply don't want to further my education to be a bum for the rest of my life. I have always respected them and always will. I have never given them a chance to complain about anything, other than the fact that I'm not in a university. I really didn't even imagine they would take it as seriously as they did since they are cursing, got a bit physical with me, and threatening to kick me out. They are also forcing me to apply to universities. </p>

<p>I just don't know how to be more elaborate about my decision to my parents. I'm sticking by my decision because this is the first time I have made a choice on my own. I really do understand where they are coming from, I know how they are looking at this.</p>

<p>I didn't intend to hurt my parents and come short of their expectations. I just do not know what to say or do at this point to make matters better....</p>

<p>You need to watch the number of community college credits you have. Some schools won’t take you if you have too many.</p>

<p>I guess I agree with your parents. If you’ve completed 2 years at cc, it’s time to move on. If you want a break, take a break, not more classes.</p>

<p>I understand that and I haven’t finished my associates, I only have 30 credits. But why not take classes I’m interested in and want to look into even if I had completed my 2 years? I love to learn. </p>

<p>I’d kick you out too - sorry. You are an adult now so your parents can’ “force” you to apply to university but they don’t have to support your unwillingness to move on. </p>

<p>Unless you can support yourself financially, you’d better start applying. </p>

<p>What state are you in? What articulation agreements does your CC have with 4-year colleges and universities? Have you completed all of your gen eds? Are you ready to graduate this spring with an AA or AS?</p>

<p>Go have a nice long chat with the Transfer Advisor at your CC. Discuss your academic and career goals. There is every possibility that you are missing one or two classes that you need to have in order to qualify for an articulation agreement for the major that you want at the college/university that you want and that your family can afford.</p>

<p>Your parents are nervous because they don’t understand higher education in the US. The system they were educated in is quite different. They also may be afraid that you will never finish college at all, or that you will never be self-supporting. The counselors at your CC can help you come up with appropriate answers to their questions.</p>

<p>And since your parents have been abusive, get counseling for yourself so that you can deal with the repercussions of that as well.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>

<p>Would it be correct to assume that your high school record was not sufficient to get into a desired college?</p>

<p>If so, then transferring at the junior level (i.e. so that you will transfer with 60 credits) rather than the sophomore level (30 credits) will more easily wash away a poor high school record, since you will have more of a college record to evaluate. That said, were you only attending part time if you have completed only 30 credits in two years?</p>

<p>I fully understand the desire to take courses that interest you outside of your major. I believe exploring a variety of coursework is a part of a full college experience. That’s why there are elective requirements, so that you have units in your education plan to learn about things that interest you beyond your major.</p>

<p>I agree with happymomof1 – meet with a counselor and get a formal evaluation of where you are at and if you aren’t ready to transfer, then be sure to work in some courses of interest while finishing up the transfer requirements. They can help you create an ed plan, which you can show your parents. They may handle it better if it is a formal school document. Be aware, though, that many cc’s are pushing to get students through as efficiently as possible, so there may be resistence from a GC as well, unless you still need to fulfill elective requirements. Good Luck!</p>

<p>What exactly do you want to “figure out”? Why do you need to take classes to do this? Why not get a job instead? If you are not ready to apply to university, then don’t do it. But don’t sit around and do nothing. I agree with your parents on this one.</p>

<p>Show some maturity. Move out and get a job, or go to college.</p>

<p>@sgopal2 Oh of course! I have already applied for a few jobs, have some internship offers, go to college with the money I earn and definitely do not plan on sitting on my butt. The moving out part… already did try doesn’t fly well in the Indian community haha but seeing how they might kick me out that is probably what I’ll do.</p>

<p>I apologize to people if I come of as a bratty child haha but the fact is I have well taken responsibility for my future and I’m making decision accordingly. I have planned out my college courses and the transfer requirements. I just wanted advice as to how I should calm my parents down and explain to them that i just want one semester to do what i want. Thank you all for replying.</p>

<p>Maybe if you don’t frame it as taking community college classes to “do whatever I want” and reframe it as “these courses, X, Y & Z (the same courses you’re desiring!), will complete the following reqs for my intended university,” they’ll take it better. Especially if you include the financials. </p>