Thinking about trying education again.

[Joel I]

I have graduated from high school and started uni but was kicked out for bad marks. I got jobs but they didn't last long. I have been trying to get employment since january but I don't have any qualifications so no one is hiring me. I got 1/2 way through a biology degree at university and thinking about trying to complete the degree so I have a better chance at getting a new job. Now I know I have AS the university can probably help me finish.

Does this sound logical?

 

[King_Oni]

Going to school when you can sounds like a good plan. I'd just make sure it's financially viable and all.

And I'd look into what issues regarding your AS you run into and that might become roadblocks at uni and see if there's a way to get around it or if they can offer accommodations for it.

 

[Joel I]

Very good points, thanks I'll look in to them.

 

[wyverary]

As someone who has floundered in universities for the past ten years, I don't know if I can offer any really credible advice. But, if you find something you love, I think there is always a way to pursue it in a way that you can succeed. I myself am going to be "returning" to school in the fall...I use scare quotes because it is completely different from any subject or method (it will all be online this time) than anything I have tried before. Since I am getting this opportunity through the state, they already know of my AS and NVLD, which should make things easier/more lenient. So I think you should give it another shot, this time making it clear to the university of your diagnosis, and I don't doubt they can provide plenty of assistance to make your time at uni quite a bit easier.

Good luck!

 

[Spinning Compass]

I will be getting my Associates Degree in Applied Science this Sunday. It has taken me roughly 40 years off and on, going when I had money and time. The degree itself is basically a formality at my age. More importantly, what going back to school has done for me is that it has put me in a place where I am for the first time in my life getting much-needed academic and career counseling. It is opening up new possibilities in my life. Basically, I went to school because I was told I had to, I took jobs because I needed to, and somewhere along the way something very important went missing: what do I want to do? Not what other people want me to do, but what do I want to do? What are my strengths instead of my weaknesses? Am I really in the right career for me? These are all very scary questions.

There is a story about a famous racehorse--Peter the Great--who was very awkward as a colt. It seems he was a natural-born pacer but his owner wanted a trotter. So he had special weighted shoes put on Peter's feet to make him run the way he wanted him to run. Amazingly, Peter became a champion trotter and set many world records. I think a lot of us are like Peter the Great, being forced to run the way others want us to run. Some of us, like Peter, actually succeed. But it is an artificial success that comes with a price.

I think that many students might benefit from a "break" in their studies instead of going at it non-stop high school to college. I know from my own personal experience that going out and taking time off and then coming back brought a renewed energy and interest in my studies. I certainly got more out of the experience. I definitely say give it a try this time.

 

[Andrew206]

Congratulations on your degree Spinning Compass!

 

[Mrshabi]

What is Uni?

 

[Flower44590]

I have graduated from high school and started uni but was kicked out for bad marks. I got jobs but they didn't last long. I have been trying to get employment since january but I don't have any qualifications so no one is hiring me. I got 1/2 way through a biology degree at university and thinking about trying to complete the degree so I have a better chance at getting a new job. Now I know I have AS the university can probably help me finish.

Does this sound logical?

I can only speak from my experience, but I EXCELLED at college once I found a career I was 100% convinced was what I wanted. I had taken education classes and nursing classes previously. I quit for a few years and went back. I quit the first time because I felt like I couldn't handle the death aspect of nursing and the whole this-system-is-corrupt-every-child-is-left-behind aspect of education (the Majors I had chosen). After gaining life experience and maturing a bit I figured out death really isn't so terrible and being a nurse would grant me the opportunity to help a large number of people in a profound way. So I chose that. Because I felt like it was so important to do well in college and to learn as much as I could to help as many as I can I was able to stayed motivated and focused. I chose a small college with small classes (the campus had two small buildings, no dorms, sports teams, festivities, parties). I also resolved before going to school that I was there to get an education and not make friends. I did make a few friends but not intentionally. I wore ear plugs or kept headphones in to avoid people. I studied alone. I did group projects alone. I did not work when I was in school and I was single (I think these two things REALLY helped me to stay focused on just school). I ended up graduating at the top of my class. I only ever received one C grade. I share with you because I hope you can find the same.

 

[Thea]

I'm returning to study soon as well. I hope to do better this time now I know about my aspergers and anxiety but there's this small fear niggling that the people who tell me I'm just lazy are right.

 

[Spinning Compass]

I'm returning to study soon as well. I hope to do better this time now I know about my aspergers and anxiety but there's this small fear niggling that the people who tell me I'm just lazy are right.

I know what you mean, there's been so much negativity directed at us, "you're lazy", "you're incompetent", that it is hard to get those voices out of our heads. I go through that at work a lot. What makes it even more difficult is that it is a burden we must carry alone, we can't tell anyone about it because most people don't understand.

I am going through a difficult time with a co-worker right now. It's a long story, but I feel that she is judging me because she feels that I am not taking care of my responsibilities. For example, we have a shared e-mailbox. Now, I am not one of these people who obsessively check their e-mail and phone every five minutes, and especially if I am on a project that requires a lot of thought and attention to detail (and I get a lot of those!) then checking my e-mail is definitely the last thing on my mind. Well, I "missed" an e-mail. So she tells me that it is not her responsibility to answer my e-mails (I don't recall asking her to!). She also got on me about something else that I apparently was not doing and hadn't been doing for some time (but only came up now) and she said, "Can I trust you on this?" I looked her right in the eye (which you know does not come natural to an Aspie) and said, "If you are asking that question you already have decided what the answer is, and the answer is, no. I will not have that burden on me, I will not play that game. Either let me take responsibility for that task and let me handle it the way I see fit, or do it yourself." I meant it too. If I am that lazy or that incompetent, then management knows how to handle it; if I am not, then get off my back. I have to add that this was not a supervisor saying this.

So: if people think you are lazy, then let them deal with it. In my experience those who are being the most critical are not the people who are in a position to deal with it, they are just blowing smoke and trying to manipulate you into doing what they want. The last thing they want or expect is for you to call their bluff.

Besides all of us are a little lazy at times, that is human nature.

 

[Thea]

I'm returning to study soon as well. I hope to do better this time now I know about my aspergers and anxiety but there's this small fear niggling that the people who tell me I'm just lazy are right.

I know what you mean, there's been so much negativity directed at us, "you're lazy", "you're incompetent", that it is hard to get those voices out of our heads. I go through that at work a lot. What makes it even more difficult is that it is a burden we must carry alone, we can't tell anyone about it because most people don't understand.

I am going through a difficult time with a co-worker right now. It's a long story, but I feel that she is judging me because she feels that I am not taking care of my responsibilities. For example, we have a shared e-mailbox. Now, I am not one of these people who obsessively check their e-mail and phone every five minutes, and especially if I am on a project that requires a lot of thought and attention to detail (and I get a lot of those!) then checking my e-mail is definitely the last thing on my mind. Well, I "missed" an e-mail. So she tells me that it is not her responsibility to answer my e-mails (I don't recall asking her to!). She also got on me about something else that I apparently was not doing and hadn't been doing for some time (but only came up now) and she said, "Can I trust you on this?" I looked her right in the eye (which you know does not come natural to an Aspie) and said, "If you are asking that question you already have decided what the answer is, and the answer is, no. I will not have that burden on me, I will not play that game. Either let me take responsibility for that task and let me handle it the way I see fit, or do it yourself." I meant it too. If I am that lazy or that incompetent, then management knows how to handle it; if I am not, then get off my back. I have to add that this was not a supervisor saying this.

So: if people think you are lazy, then let them deal with it. In my experience those who are being the most critical are not the people who are in a position to deal with it, they are just blowing smoke and trying to manipulate you into doing what they want. The last thing they want or expect is for you to call their bluff.

Besides all of us are a little lazy at times, that is human nature.

You sound like my kind of person.

 

[dregj]

What is Uni?

university

 

[Andrew206]

I've just recently started thinking about returning to school. I'm considering returning to complete a bachelor's degree or a certificate program. I still live with my parents, so I don't know how that would affect any financial aid. I'm 31 years old.

 

[dregj]

just need a formal diagnosis before i can go back

 

[Joel I]

I am back at university now, this time Griffith University and was able to get credit for some of the studies I have previously done. I'm doing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Wildlife Biology. At the end of last year I completed my first semester for 8 or 9 years.

 

[Guppyfry]

Congrats! That is a great update. Often a bit of maturity and understanding oneself can go a long way in helping us accomplish our goals. Your area of study sounds so interesting!

 

[Andrew206]

I'm back in school now, taking online accounting classes for a certificate program. My grades have been good so far, and I'm excited about my future.

 

[Mr Allen]

I'm half considering going to local College this year to do a GCSE Maths course, tried to get on last year but the course was oversubscribed.

 

[Joel I]

I'm half considering going to local College this year to do a GCSE Maths course, tried to get on last year but the course was oversubscribed.

Good luck with it. I find that when I put my mind to something I'm very stubborn, if you want to do something you can often find a way.

 

[Joel I]

Update: I've been doing well at this university and only have 2 more subject to do before I graduate the Bachelor of Science with double majors of Wildlife Biology and Marine Biology. If all continues to go well I should but done in June. I'm thinking about doing an honours year as I'm thinking about going into research after I graduate and have met some professors that can be my supervisor.