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Blue_Bird
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Default Sep 24, 2018 at 05:39 AM
  #1
I just thought it'd be cool if we had a thread to check in and chat about how classes are going, for those in college.

I started working on my associates of science degree for human services in 2016 but only got one full time semester complete then, I had to take a lot of time off due to mental health issues. I started taking classes again in the Spring of 2018.

The fall semester recently started, I'm taking 2 classes at the moment. I'm really enjoying them I hope to be able to take 3 classes next semester, I'm only taking so little due to two reasons, financial struggles and not wanting to stress myself too much mentally at least for right now.

Ultimately I want to go for a Masters in Social Work. That will be a very long time from now though, got a ways to go.

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The_little_didgee
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Default Oct 06, 2018 at 02:33 PM
  #2
I'm in a tool and die program in southwestern Ontario. So far I am enjoying the classes. The program is very practical, so it doesn't feel like work at all.

In September I relocated to this city from eastern Ontario. It is lonely being here by myself. All my friends and support network is in Ottawa. Sometimes I feel like going back, but that would be a waste of a very good opportunity.

My biggest stress at the moment is not having a permanent address. Apartments in this city are expensive. Market rent would take about 75% of my monthly budget. Right now I am looking while staying in a temporary place through AirBNB which is expensive. Family is helping me pay for it.

Yesterday I applied for a bursary. Hopefully I will get it, because I need money.

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Default Nov 02, 2018 at 10:31 AM
  #3
In an electrical program in PA. Hate it, only doing it so I have money to get through grad school for psych. I can't wait to go back to my old college to finish my bachelor's. Planning on being a researcher. I'd also like to have my own practice one day too. Maybe an electrical contracting gig too, although idk how possible it would be to hold two businesses at once. We'll see.

Mr. Didgee,
Did you try looking up sublets/rooms for rent? You pay weekly and there's no massive down payment like for an apartment, and they tend to be much cheaper. Check out Craigslist, they have tons of sublet options. Hope that helps.
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Default Nov 02, 2018 at 12:34 PM
  #4
I'm doing a psych degree. I started in 2010, did three semesters part time, and then took some time off. I went back this past January with just two classes and did decent. I have four classes this semester and I am dying. I'm not doing nearly as well as I'd like to. I'm also working more than the equivalent of a full time job between two part time jobs, I'm on a sport league once a week, therapy, etc. All this takes time. I'm actually taking a brain break right now from writing my History paper.

I really want to do this degree, but I'm wondering if I actually have an adult learning disability, because I'm struggling so much. I've asked my therapist to do the WAIS with me so I can find out if there's something wrong with me or I just have crappy study skills.
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Default Nov 02, 2018 at 02:14 PM
  #5
Quote:
Originally Posted by ColdSlumber View Post
Mr. Didgee,
Did you try looking up sublets/rooms for rent? You pay weekly and there's no massive down payment like for an apartment, and they tend to be much cheaper. Check out Craigslist, they have tons of sublet options. Hope that helps.
I just found a place through my college. It is shared. I wanted something private, but this will have to do. I'm only sharing with one person, which isn't too bad. At least I have a private bedroom to hide in whenever I need to get away from people.

No last month's rent deposit was required, which was a big relief.

Mr. Didgee made me laugh. I'm a lady.
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Piggy momma, did you seek assistance from your school's accessible learning office?





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Default Nov 02, 2018 at 03:23 PM
  #6
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Originally Posted by piggy momma View Post
I'm wondering if I actually have an adult learning disability, because I'm struggling so much.
Jeez, I wouldn't say so, you're just overworked. That's a difficult schedule for anybody. And there's nothing "wrong" with anyone lol. All just have different ways of interpreting and reacting to the world. Are you in a master's program or undergraduate? Good luck with school, I know you'll graduate. It doesn't have to be on time, as long as you get the degree.

Quote:
Mr. Didgee made me laugh. I'm a lady.
Oh, my apologies, Ms. Didgee! 😅 I'd thought since you were in a tool and die program, kinda sounded like a trade course, which guys tend to flock to. My apologies, madam.
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Default Nov 03, 2018 at 12:25 PM
  #7
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Oh, my apologies, Ms. Didgee! 😅 I'd thought since you were in a tool and die program, kinda sounded like a trade course, which guys tend to flock to. My apologies, madam.
I figured that was the reason. Thanks for the apology. There was no need to apologize.

Yes, it is a trade program. I'm one of two ladies in the program this year. Usually there are 5.

ColdSlumber, what don't you like about your electrical program?



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Default Nov 03, 2018 at 02:24 PM
  #8
Well there's quite a few things I dislike about it. I guess I'd always been more of a book learner, and I'm kinda clumsy, so to be messing around with tools all day I tend to goof stuff up quite a bit. Also going from psych to a trade school was kinda rough. People in psych programs tend to be really caring, and trade guys are a little, to be kind about it, rough around the edges.

I guess it just boils down to it's hard. Normally you have four years to learn this stuff, but in my school it's accelerated to two years. Also, it's been rated by Forbes as one of the ten best trade schools in the U.S., so they don't do anything slow. You know that age-old advice, "Honey you're not doing so well in school, perhaps consider a trade?" Wrong. I'm not dumb, and this is still not easy.

I'm looking forward to the money when I graduate though, guys typically start out at a minimum of 15 an hour, and since tradesmen are ageing like mad, a real pay boost is inevitable, especially for the younger folk. I've always been poor, so I'm looking forward to that. It's really the money aspect that's keeping me going, and the fact that it'll be a nice cushy side-gig to get me through my real passion, grad school.

If grad school doesn't work out, this will be my backup, since this two-year degree typically earns more than a psych graduate with a master's. Unfair but that's how the economy works, haha. Supply, demand, but also utility too.
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Default Nov 03, 2018 at 02:49 PM
  #9
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Originally Posted by ColdSlumber View Post

If grad school doesn't work out, this will be my backup, since this two-year degree typically earns more than a psych graduate with a master's. Unfair but that's how the economy works, haha. Supply, demand, but also utility too.
I'm in the same boat. I currently work part-time for an airline, and I'm just there for the benefits. I also work as a dog groomer, and I average $50-70 an hour. It's making me completely question why I'm killing myself to get thru school, when I can make more than a decent living now. But, I really want the degree. I guess I'll be a dog groomer with a Masters degree. (I do hope to go into private practice, and not wash dogs dirty butts forever).
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WastingAsparagus
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Default Nov 10, 2018 at 02:16 AM
  #10
So, I am currently finishing my last semester of undergraduate education. I'll receive my B.A. with a double-major in Spanish Literature and Philosophy in December. I'm considering going back for a grad degree later in life, but for now I will be teaching English abroad once I graduate.
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Default Nov 11, 2018 at 12:34 PM
  #11
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Originally Posted by ColdSlumber View Post
Well there's quite a few things I dislike about it. I guess I'd always been more of a book learner, and I'm kinda clumsy, so to be messing around with tools all day I tend to goof stuff up quite a bit. Also going from psych to a trade school was kinda rough.
I attended university and enjoyed it, but I wasn't passionate about my major. My grades were excellent. Money ran out, so I had to leave after second year. Right before I left, I was in the process of changing my major and doing a few missing high school credits. One day I hope to return.

The transition from university to the community college was easy for me. I find the course work easy, mostly because I know how to study and am very good with my hands. The shop classes are really fun, so it doesn't feel like work.

One of my classmates has a master's degree and has been struggling with the transition, because he is more of a theoretical learner.

Quote:
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People in psych programs tend to be really caring, and trade guys are a little, to be kind about it, rough around the edges.
All but one of the guys in my program are great. They have never bothered me. The one individual I don't particularly care for has an attitude problem and tries to act macho which actually reveals his insecurities. Every second word that comes out of his mouth is an F bomb.

Machinists are usually professional and highly skilled individuals, at least the ones that I know.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ColdSlumber View Post
I guess it just boils down to it's hard. Normally you have four years to learn this stuff, but in my school it's accelerated to two years. Also, it's been rated by Forbes as one of the ten best trade schools in the U.S., so they don't do anything slow. You know that age-old advice, "Honey you're not doing so well in school, perhaps consider a trade?" Wrong. I'm not dumb, and this is still not easy.
Interest and learning style are huge reasons why people struggle in university rather than intelligence.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ColdSlumber View Post
I'm looking forward to the money when I graduate though, guys typically start out at a minimum of 15 an hour, and since tradesmen are ageing like mad, a real pay boost is inevitable, especially for the younger folk. I've always been poor, so I'm looking forward to that. It's really the money aspect that's keeping me going, and the fact that it'll be a nice cushy side-gig to get me through my real passion, grad school.

If grad school doesn't work out, this will be my backup, since this two-year degree typically earns more than a psych graduate with a master's. Unfair but that's how the economy works, haha. Supply, demand, but also utility too.
Having a backup plan is good.

Good luck with your studies.

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