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I am going to our community college in less than a month and I am terrified. I tried to figure out a way to start my own forum but idk how.
I am in PA and am originally from CA and now going to be attending our community college. I will be driving about 25 miles away so a 50 mile round trip there are so many things I am scared of and would love someone to talk to about college as I will be the only one in my family to go to college and stick with it hopefully.
What things are you worried about @Allyssa6694?
Some are financial. My whole tuition fees will be covered but my awards will not cover my books which are about 500 for the 4 books i need. I am worried I won’t be successful in college that it will be too hard.
I am not used to driving far in winter but was hoping once I got used to the drive that by winter came I will be more comfortable with it. I have my work working with my school schedule but they said i may lose more hours in the process. I don’t want to have to barrow loans but i may have to.
I responded on one of your other threads. You will get more comfortable driving as you do it more. There are a lot of months before snowfall. You could ask a friend or family member who has experience driving in snow to give you pointers, or even watch YouTube for driving in snow tips.
Once you get your loan issues sorted out, just try your best to take one day or week at a time. Do your best to keep up with your studies and ask for help from your teachers as soon as you think you are having a problem.
Also sometimes you can rent books or buy them used so they aren’t as expensive.
OP, reach out for help at the CC. Even at the big, overcrowded ones there are advisors who want to help if you ask for it. Be patient, understand they have a lot of students to work with, but do reach out. That’s what they’re there for, and most of them are dedicated to help their students.
Be totally honest with advisors: tell them point blank, I’m serious about my education plans, but I’m scared, I have very little support/advice at home, and I have financial constraints.
An advisor can help with the first two issues - fear, lack of support - and possibly advise on the third. Community colleges do have services for students just like you. Take advantage of them – and the best of luck to you!
You have a laptop computer? My oldest just graduated college and I doubt he spent $200 total on books his last two years, mostly by looking for online or pdf book versions.
Not going to candy-coat it - the drive will get old but you can get used to it. Books on tape from the library helped me when I had a long commute.
You may find that you LOVE the commute!
You’re obviously a new driver. I’ve been driving since the Model T. And I’ve got to tell you: that time in the car by myself, with my music on the radio, is golden. (I don’t get much of it these days, with a 15 minute commute and 3 kids who hog the radio, but I remember those golden days of commuting to college.)
Important, though: make sure your care is well maintained and that your gas tank doesn’t go below 1/4. Make SURE of that. Likewise, make sure your phone is charged each night. That will remove anxiety about the commute.
Do a dry run on the commute a few times. this summer… and a few of them in rain if you can manage it. Get to know the nuances of the commute-- which lanes tend to flood on bad days. where lanes merge and where you’ll have to start to get into the right (or the left) lane in preparation for an exit. You say you’re originally from CA, and now are in PA. So I imagine snowy roads are part of your concern. The very first time it snows, please find an empty parking lot, go 20 mph and hit the brakes. So much better to learn how to “steer into a skid” those first few times under controlled circumstances. Oh, and go out and get a snow scraper and keep it in your trunk. Likewise, put together a cold weather kit: a blanket, warm hat and gloves, a hoodie. Let them live in your car from October until March. You’ll probably never need them. But I’ve been surprised by snow a few times, and have been very glad to find those gloves to use as I cleared off my car!)
Oh, and my number rule of driving in the snow: go to the bathroom before you get into the car!!! That way, a suddenly long commute isn’t uncomfortable!!!
As far as books go, you may be surprised to find that they’re much less than you think. I was stunned last year to find that books for my son’s first semester at college-- a combo of used books and rented books-- came out to be under $200. And if I’m wrong, and your figure is correct, then you may find you can sell those books afterwards, or that you’ll use them for another course-- I remember using the same Calc books for several semesters in college.
It’s absolutely normal to be a bit anxious about this big change in your life, though not many here have the courage to admit it. You’ve been with the same kids for 12 years in a school that was probably around the corner. Change is always scary.
I’ve taught a billion kids over the years, and they’ve ALL been scared. Excited too, but scared on some level. But once you get past that fear, you may find that this was the best decision you’ve ever made.