<p>This is my first time posting after lurking on the forum. I just made this account today because I honestly do not know who else to ask for help. I'll be as brief as possible</p>
<p>I am a 20-year-old Canadian university student enrolled in full-time. I have no more than $4000 in my bank and I am moving next week back to my university to study; however I have arrived at the biggest obstacle to all college students - money.</p>
<p>My mother have snapped last night when I fervently disagreed with one of her religious views (this isn't the first time, but we went out all the way last night) and she has decided to stop all of my financial needs because she is extremely angry about the argument. My mother is one of those traditional religion extremist with outdated ideals and weighs her religion the same as family and herself (I will not reveal what her religion to avoid flaming on this thread).</p>
<p>My upbringing in the Western world raised me to tolerate other people's religion, so naturally I just cannot conform to her one-sided view. Briefly speaking, the dispute is summarized as: The other religions are false and are corrupted. Since you are my son, I expect you to agree and obey my views.</p>
<p>My mother even destroyed my cellphone after the dispute so I can't call her or anyone when I am abroad. I also really don't want to drop down to part-time studies (but this seems inevitable)</p>
<p>I have no other relatives or close friends whom I could ask or go to for help. Also I have said "sorry" (like really sorry) to her this morning, but she just walked passed me as if I am not even there. I know my mother, so this isn't just one of those "I hate you today, but next week we'll make it up" arguments, this is a "let's cut all mother and son ties" argument.</p>
<p>I am extremely frightened and I don't know what to do. I am already on student loans, so tuition is "waivered". I unfortunately do not have enough money to live on my own and for food and shelter in the upcoming academic year (even with roomates, rent is expensive). I got a few part-time fast food jobs at the moment, but the wages I am receiving isn't life changing.</p>
<p>I've been even so desperate today that I even bought a lottery ticket in hopes for a miracle. I am actually outside at the library right now typing this because I am afraid of returning home. What would you do if you were in my shoes?</p>
<p>First, try to look for a job. Getting a job will allow you to get loans. Yes, you will go into debt, but study hard and you’ll pay it off later. You may need to take a year off or more to get money.</p>
<p>Second, see if you can get a job as an RA. I know many schools will give room+food as compensation. Even if applications are over, talk to someone high up, they can probably help you if you explain your situation.</p>
<p>Third, see if you can crash at a friend’s house until you get back up on your feet.</p>
<p>May I ask where you are from? You seem to imply that you are an international student in Canada. Is that correct? </p>
<p>That probably makes things more complicated. I am not familiar with student visa laws in Canada, but I assume that your visa limits your ability to pursue employment? To what extent can you legally work while you are a student? Would you be able to get additional loans? How close are you to finishing your degree?</p>
<p>If you only have a single year left to finish your degree, it might make sense to do whatever it takes to finish the degree quickly. That might include taking out loans to pay for your living expenses. </p>
<p>If you just started your degree, I would advocate a more cautious approach. It might make sense to take a year off to work and save money, for instance (but that only works if you are allowed to work in Canada, or if the currency in your home country is strong enough that it would actually help you in Canada). I would also consider transferring to a cheaper institution, either in Canada or your home country or elsewhere in the world.</p>
<p>Apologize and tell her that her religion is the one true religion and that she was right all along. Then, when you don’t need her anymore, be like “jk lololol” and cast her aside to show the power that you now wield</p>
<p>Well… Don’t take this the wrong way, but if you don’t have a good relationship with your parent(s), to the point where you will no longer be associated with each other over this issue, then I don’t think it’s fair for you to use their money for the remaining 2-3 years.
If you have a good relationship outside of your religious views, well, maybe save your mom some heartache, and tell her you can’t believe you thought that way, OF COURSE all other religions are corrupt etc. Sometimes you shouldn’t try to lift the veil off other’s eyes just because it’s been lifted off yours. I think that if you care about her and want to be in her life, you may want to lie to her as awful as it sounds. I don’t think it’s fair to do this if you just want their money for college though… I’m saying only do this if you want to be part of your mother’s life, extreme religious views and all.
However, you seem more worried about college (not meaning this offensively!) so maybe your mom’s relationship and yours is beyond repair…</p>
<p>It may be much more difficult than having some support from home, but my mom didn’t receive a dime of help from her parents (they did not have a good relationship), and she paid her way through all 4 years by herself (she had loans of course). Work as many hours as you can part time without disturbing your grades, work full time during the summers, and be as thrifty as possible. You may have to sacrifice a good slice of your social life, but it’s worth it to get a degree.</p>