So does anybody else have college horror stories (or glory stories)?
I am not college material.. school was frustrating and difficult. I had all the intentions of going to a trade school of some sort. I couldn't admit it to my father until he figured it out himself. He convinced me to give it a try.... he supported whatever my decision afterwards. He just wanted me to give it my best shot.
It was just as frustrating.. felt like dropping out many times. I drank and partied a lot to compensate.
I worked with my university to prove my worth hands-on... worked out a course study heavy in projects. Did a co-op education program and netted a work-study program.
Took 7 years and working throughout the college as well as a paid co-op.
Graduated with no debt and the work-study experience netted me a job with the company co-op'd.
Relocated across the country for my new position and bought our home within 6 months of graduation. (also got married)
Laid off in 1 year.
Bounced around from job to job... 2 years of unemployment... near bankruptcy.
Worked startups and fields outside my career path for almost nothing to build up skills. This is when I started to open my eyes.... to my strengths.
See.... My high school is highly competitive producing very successful and very academically strong people... many of which have the world at their finger-tips. I measured myself against them and always felt like I finished last. What the college and the first couple of years in the real world has taught me are my strengths that fall outside what can be measured by degrees, grades, and semesters. Now, I'm doing just fine. I am able to compete with much higher educated people at work... never forgetting were I came from and always learning from those willing to teach. Always willing to teach others. I work at a company that historically only employs the advanced educated. I am one of the very few without a post-graduate education. I am a jack of all trades of sorts... a reputation built around getting things done with no fear to venture into the unknown. These are my strengths.
What has this experience taught you? Once you truly figure that out (it could be some years down the road), your current frustrations will seem small. Others would have already traveled a different but also difficult path and already see this. (hopefully responding in a mature and positive manner... always keeping an open ear no matter)
I Truly Hated College But I Wouldn't Trade That Experience In For Anything.
If you didn't hear that ... I truly HATED college. It was not for me. It was not how I learn.
I know its seems difficult now but you are working a great opportunity to earn a college education AND fall in what many would consider college material. An extra year is not going to be the end of the world... even though it sucks. I doubt an extra year justifies "hating" college...