Life is getting rough for me..need some advice/suggestions?

[CTApprentice]

Hey guys, I love this site so dearly, and its helped me a lot. I just graduated from High School but im currently going through a situation that could really hinder my process. Unfortunately I won't be able to go to college this upcoming Fall semester. I had the grades; even attaining a 5.0 weighted GPA/3.4 cummalative. I was in many extracurricular activities while in high school(most being honors clubs) and participated in many school functions/ as well as volunteer.

I applied to a few colleges(both public/private) but opted to go to a Community college because I assumed it would put less of a financial strain on my parents. My parents do a lot for me and im really dependant; I don't have my drivers permit, I can't get a job just yet, and this is all because of our immigration status. Our greencards expired like a few years ago, but were still in the process of getting our documents through immigration.

Due to our immigration status I will not be able to attend college..not just yet. Because I was denied financial aid and I would be charged as a "out of state student." I did get a decent schlorship but it won't be enough to cover a good chunk of my tuition.

I've been just been depressed over the last month..checking up on facebook. Seeing all of my highschool friends enjoying their summer semester of college. While im stuck at home, doing nothing productive. I would just hate to admit to my friends my situation. I just feel really helpless right now.

I have so many goals, one long term goal of mine is to get a degree in Biology and start a career being either a CSI or Forensic Scientist/Criminalist.

*But for now I also want to keep my mind sharp, please if you could take the time and recommend me some books to read:any subject, fiction/ non-fiction, don't care. Suggest to me other productive activities that I could do.*

-Im sorry if this seems like a rant, but I just don't have anyone else to talk to about this nor give me advice.-

 

[OzyBoy]

Just take it easy, life does not always run perfectly. You will be able to go to college - just not yet. There is probably a lot more people a lot worse off than you.

 

[Evzone]

Elaborate a bit so we know what you're dealing with.

You say that you or your family are immigrants. How are your student visa applications going? When I was in college, I had some friends from all over the place (India, Panama, Colombia, Greece, hell everywhere). I'm a bit surprised if it's too hard to get one.

Also, student loans aren't the end of the world. College is more than just the classes you take.

And books: The Art of War by Sun Tzu. 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. And for something lighter, I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max.

 

[search1ng]

Also, going through a time like this is actually better for you in the long run. You'll appreciate college more, learn more and be a hell of a lot more active. I should know, i entered college straight out of high school and didn't do sh1t until it almost cost me my degree. In retrospect it was really stupid of me to half ass it, and I'm sure this experience will let you enter college with a learning mindset.

Also, college is always going to be there and age doesn't really matter when it comes to education. It's really what you make of it. (Plus you're young anyway - exercise, read the above mentioned books (you'll come across many more good titles as you start to read) and make the most of the situation) A break like that is a good thing.

 

[CTApprentice]

Elaborate a bit so we know what you're dealing with.

You say that you or your family are immigrants. How are your student visa applications going? When I was in college, I had some friends from all over the place (India, Panama, Colombia, Greece, hell everywhere). I'm a bit surprised if it's too hard to get one.

Also, student loans aren't the end of the world. College is more than just the classes you take.

And books: The Art of War by Sun Tzu. 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. And for something lighter, I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max.

Thanks so much for the book recommendations: all of them seem to be very interesting.


My parents filed to immigration around 2002 (and other documents between 2002-2008) are still waiting for their documents to pass through immigration right now. So they can get me a student visa.

Im Jamaican..so our country is not anywhere on the top of the priority list as of now, and i've been in the U.S eversince I was 6. So I came here around 96/97.

 

[CTApprentice]

Also, going through a time like this is actually better for you in the long run. You'll appreciate college more, learn more and be a hell of a lot more active. I should know, i entered college straight out of high school and didn't do sh1t until it almost cost me my degree. In retrospect it was really stupid of me to half ass it, and I'm sure this experience will let you enter college with a learning mindset.

Also, college is always going to be there and age doesn't really matter when it comes to education. It's really what you make of it. (Plus you're young anyway - exercise, read the above mentioned books (you'll come across many more good titles as you start to read) and make the most of the situation) A break like that is a good thing.

Man..thanks for the awesome advice. I honestly never really looked at it that way, thinking that people would pass judgement on me for not going to college. But your right, i'll try to make the best out of my situation right now.

 

[Zaraza]

Hey man, i got a couple good books for you to read.

You sound very motivated!!!! dont give up bro.

Read these 2 books


autobiography of a face - by Lucy Grealy

Tuesdays with morrie - by Mitch Albom

They are very powerful and are page turners.

 

[SharinganUser]

I am in a similar boat. I've taken up chess to pass the time, also I want to take up some martial arts but there is no class near me.

 

[mpimpin]

It is important that you don't give up on yourself. Stay positive and advance yourself in anyway possible. Read, learn new skills, make contacts etc.

Don't end up slipping into depression, drugs, alcohol, crime, etc.

It's only the end of the world if you let it be.

 

[CTApprentice]

Thanks for the advice/support you guys.

I just ordered some of your book recommendations, and im getting them by the end of the week.

 

[comic_relief]

If you are really interested in something, start reading up on new things. If you read some of the books that you must read for college classes, you can start now to advance yourself.

When you actually get to college and know what the hell is going on, your professors will look at you like a greek god.

- comic_relief