A Semester off from School
By BabyGurrl
@BabyGurrl (65)
United States
November 13, 2012 12:19am CST
This semester has been hell for me. I started out with 12 classes-17 credit hours worth. Around midterm, I received early warning notifications for a few classes I was not doing so well in. I also decided that I would change my major because I was not happy with the way things were going. Now that I've dropped the classes I wasn't doing well in, my workload has became much lighter and easier to deal with. With the support of my mom, things are going great so far. Although I have thought about in the past, I never brought up the idea to my mom because I knew she would go off (my mom is strict-even though I'm 20 years old, almost 21; She's still pretty over-protective of me). However, after talking with her earlier today my mom talked it over with my stepdad and they both agreed to let me take next semester off from school. I'm thrilled. Yet, at the same time, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm very eager to begin classes for my "new major"-which is psychology (i was working on an Assoc. degree for psych previously before transferring for music therapy so I have a decent start on it). On the other hand, if I take a break I see this as my way of saving even more money. I can get another job, maybe even 2 more jobs (just an idea-more for the summer than next semester) and save more money that way. There is alot to think about. I just want suggestions and maybe even ideas as far as what other people would do if they were in my shoes or if they've done it before or know someone who has taken a break from school. Should I keep going at it? Or should I take my mom's advice and take the semester off & just work & save up money??
Signed
~Babygurrl
5 responses
@TeamCholent (2832)
• United States
14 Nov 12
I would really listen to your mother on this one as a semester off will allow you to save up some cash and also really think about which direction you would heading and what your passions are. What you can even do is get a job and take 1 subject this coming semester just so you are making progress without taking too much and also focusing on life and a clear picture of what you want.
@BabyGurrl (65)
• United States
14 Nov 12
I like your idea of taking 1 subject next semester too. I was actually thinking about that as well..Like I said, I'm a little iffy about taking an entire semester off but if my mom is suggesting it, then I'm sure I MUST need the time to myself because I do get overwhelmed with my studies and tend to stress a little bit. I've also talked it over with my closest cousin and my boyfriend and they both are saying just do what I think is best for me. My cousin is more on my side because he knows how hard I work. I've taken summer classes like 3 years in a row while most of my peers just had the summer to themselves and relaxed and had fun. Either way, I do have a supportive system behind me which I always think is very great! However, even if I don't take any classes, I don't think I'm that far off from receiving my degree at least within 2 years because I do have the gen.ed of my credits towards psych done so that takes away a lot of time as well. I'm just taking it one day at a time though and seeing what's what. I appreciate your response! Thanks so much! :)
@Mavic123456 (21898)
• Thailand
14 Nov 12
Well if you will take a break can you sustain the enthusiasm to finish what you have started? If you can why not take a break first earn as much as you can and study. If you are not sure, you know enthusiasm only comes in awhile. Strike while the iron is hot in other words, go, go. Is there no student loan that the government provide for you? Maybe you can have that students' loan to sustain your studies too. Good luck and Psychology is a very good course, very human, very interesting too. Go girl!
@god_is_good (683)
• Philippines
14 Nov 12
I believe that you have what it takes to succeed in any area that you want to truly succeed at. You have proven that for the past 21 years in your life - a testament that your mommy considers your option. With the kind of growth you have as of today, based on your explanation in your wonderful discussion, it seems that finding a job to do would fit you and your plans of saving money. On the long term, if I can make a suggestion, it would be good also to save money and start your own business - even from something small and grow it to become the best you can do with. Your option is in your hands and I know you will make a wise decision. Good day.
@Ladycwells (96)
• United States
13 Nov 12
Well for me taking a semester off is not an option but then again, I don't attend during the summer. I am doing Psychology as well and it is a ton of reading and some research. Therefore I only take 12 credit hours per semester so I am still considered full-time and I can still get a student loan if necessary. Now BabyGurrl I am twice as old as you, so you might not feel my sense of urgency to finish. So for you it might be a good idea to take a semester off but don't try working so many jobs and burn yourself out. Take your time, make wise decisions and most of all take care of your physical and mental health. Good luck!
@Jeffery_superman (179)
• China
14 Nov 12
Hi baby girl, I have just read about your issue. You may take you mon's advice i think. Of course, taking jobs just for money isn't so advisable, especially two jobs or more for a whole semester. It's not the time for you to earn money. If you just spend your part time to earn money, that will be ok. Though you will be off the school for a semester, you still need to focus on your course. As you said you have chosen Psycholorgy, i advise you to get familiar with it, such as reading some books or take some lectures about the basis of Psycholorgy, in which way you will feel easier when you are back for your new major.
Just take a good use of this semester, and hope you can have achievements in Psycholorgy.
