My life is in ruins. Please help!!

[Kardashian]

.. so don't panic so much, listen to some Zero 7 or something.

Made me laugh - thanks

I've got Zero 7/Sia on, as we speak. Good choice.

Thanks for the kind words.

If this is what you originally wanted to do, then that coupled with a PGCE later if you wanted sounds ideal. Hopefully you'll get good news. Is there any way you can demonstrate an interest in the subject from something you've done in the past and make it clear that it's what you've really wanted to do and only did the teaching one as a more sensible choice? She'll be looking for someone who really is interested in it and not just jumping ship to another course that'll have them (because they see a lot of that).

Read up on the syllabus today so you know what the course entails and can talk about it, what you would be really interested in, and so on. Ask what you can do to make the work up. Basically, knock her socks off in the interview!

I've made it very clear to her through the e-mails how keen I am. I'm going to make a point in mentioning that I have close connections to Canada, and have a few upcoming visits there, and obviously make relevant points in how both countries interest me.

In regard to the Politics side of the course, I'll mention how my Grandfather was a very active politician, and because of this politics and all-things Government have always been around me - it should help somewhat.

I'm not nervous about the interview itself - just the answer.

Without sounding big headed, but a lot of people warm to me very quickly - my friends have described me as a magnet. Apparently I just attract the good people - so let's hope I can attract this one tomorrow and get myself signed up! The sooner she lets me start, the sooner I can catch up.

And I mean, worst case she says no, at which point I will calmly ask her why - I'm only 6 weeks in, to a years course where none of the examination marks count, and that other universities let people change course up to January. I'll also put the idea to her that I have 6 weeks until January term starts - 5 of which are holidays. Give me that time to catch up. If my work load sufficed her expectations, let me carry on. If not, kick me off. Nothing to lose.

Moneywise, really don't worry about the student loan. I know it's tempting to clear it, but I've never paid back more than about £15-20 a month of mine in any job I've had. And I have nearly £20,000 borrowed! It's not something that's held against you for credit or anything, and nearly everyone has one. Clear the overdraft, any credit cards, get yourself financially on your feet, even buy a house before you worry about that. I look at it more like an extra tax each month than a loan I'm paying off and I've got no intentions to make a big payment on it or clear it, it's not worth it (in my opinion, anyway).

Oh OK, but I will probably want to return to University next year so I'll probably have to clear the balance by then. [I would imagine?]

Hopefully I won't be crossing that bridge. I want American and Canadian studies - and I'm confident I will, providing she's not a total b*tch and just wants to see me squirm!

 

[Lau]

I think it's worth making a thing about the fact that although you want to teach, it's this subject that really interests you as well, and choosing the other course was for other reasons.

Oh OK, but I will probably want to return to University next year so I'll probably have to clear the balance by then. [I would imagine?]

Nope! I did two years of a fine art course, left, and then went back to another art school for four years of a design course, hence the gigantic loan amount. I didn't pay off a penny in between because my salary wasn't high enough, and then since then I think I've paid about £100 in total. I'm assuming that hasn't changed since I was at uni. Definitely worth seeing it as an extra tax in your pay packet than something you need to clear, I think, anyway.

 

[Kardashian]

Nope! I did two years of a fine art course, left, and then went back to another art school for four years of a design course, hence the gigantic loan amount. I didn't pay off a penny in between because my salary wasn't high enough, and then since then I think I've paid about £100 in total. I'm assuming that hasn't changed since I was at uni. Definitely worth seeing it as an extra tax in your pay packet than something you need to clear, I think, anyway.

Fab.

In that case, I'll work on paying the overdraft. I mean, the accommodation and uni fee's are all on Student Loan anyway - so I'll have.. the £2000 I've already borrowed, £1,000 to the uni, and another £2,500 in accommodation.

I hope I don't have to write this off as a five thousand pound mistake.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a brighter day

 

[sananda]

you sound very keen on the other course. i hope you are able to transfer. assuming you have properly investigated all the elements of the course and found them to be to your liking.

 

[John Jacob]

All the best. I hope things work out for you. Let us know how it goes.

I think some folks on this thread were a little harsh and/or judgemental in their responses to your posts. Just ignore them. You come across (well, to me atleast) as quite a level headed young adult.

 

[Kardashian]

you sound very keen on the other course. i hope you are able to transfer.

All the best. I hope things work out for you. Let us know how it goes.

I think some folks on this thread were a little harsh and/or judgemental in their responses to your posts. Just ignore them. You come across (well, to me atleast) as quite a level headed young adult.

Thanks so much both.

RE: John Jacob. Yes, I know. Some people forget this is just an internet forum, and sometimes take it upon themselves to act like Judge and executioner - they feel the need to give people a 'stepping down' every now and again.

I usually ignore it They're nothing like that in the 'real' world, probably wouldn't say boo to a ghost!

 

[prostuff1]

Thanks so much both.

RE: John Jacob. Yes, I know. Some people forget this is just an internet forum, and sometimes take it upon themselves to act like Judge and executioner - they feel the need to give people a 'stepping down' every now and again.

I usually ignore it They're nothing like that in the 'real' world, probably wouldn't say boo to a ghost!

I don't think it is so much that some are trying to play judge and executioner. We don't need to give anyone a stepping.

Maybe you were miss led or maybe you just did not understand how this course was laid out. I know know how that goes, i really really do. The CS&E degree i am getting right now is NOT what i expected it to be nor do i particularly like it. I deal with the classes and stuff cause they give me a good basis and get me going in the right direction. The stuff i want to learn is what i do on my own time.

You need the basis before you can get going on the practical part. It is that way with almost anything you do. Could you imagine an electrician who does not have an understanding of how electricity works. He might be on a job one day were nothing is set up for him and he has to wire the house himself... what if he uses the wrong wire and it melts in the walls; or crosses some cables somewhere and the house catches on fire. I guess my point is that he needs the background so that when he goes to apply it he can catch himself and not have to be supervised constantly. Sure practice makes perfect works for some things and to an extent it would work in this example, but still i feel the background is a needed component.


Anyway, i hope you get into this new study and that everything goes well for you. Good luck and keep your nose to the grind stone.

 

[Kardashian]

BIG UPDATE!

The American and Canadian Studies course couldn't accommodate me.[/B]

Basically, I have to leave.

So, after going through my finances, this is how it stands:

£1700 NatWest
£2000 Student Loans Company
£1100 University Fee's

My Dad is taking care of the NatWest overdraft.

The question I have now is this, probably directed at Lau since she's up to speed:

1. My university fee's are paid in January by the Student Loan Co. If I leave now, will they still honour the payment?
   
2. I need to pay £1,700 accommodation in January, and another £800 in April - will I still get my loan off the Student Loans Co. for this? Maybe I should not officially drop out until the 18th of January, when I get my loan? (Technically 3 school weeks away, minus vacation). The it will just add on top of my Student Loan balance which I pay when earning over £17,000.
   
3. If I re-apply to University the year after next, and some of the debt or all is outstanding, will I be rejected for financial support?

 

[Shaun.P]

As has been said before - you do not pay the Student Loan until you start working full time. That is - when you earn more than £15,000 per year (or something like that). It comes off your wage, before tax I believe. Again, as it has been pointed out - this is usually a tiny amount ~ £20-£30.

You do not owe this loan back immediately.

It does not appear on your credit report. You cannot be overdue on your loan as the SLC takes the money straight off your wage slip / salary.

You will be able to apply for a loan next year. It will get added on to your outstanding balance.

And no, if you tell the University that you are leaving, your loan payments should stop. You may be able to get a refund on tuition as you have only stayed on your course for 6 weeks. It will probably be a pro-rata refund.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Wait a second. You're dropping out of school after only giving it two months and you're expecting another area to accept you after missing 6 weeks of study? 6 weeks of study is a lot of missed material. Since you have openly displaced your complete lack of ability to handle a tough situation, I am not shocked they did not accept you.

Now, as for school teachers go, in the US you basically learn quite a bit and it is during the end of your four years that you really start working with kids. You're taught the why and then the how comes later. As Abstract said, it is probably for the best you're quitting because patience is one thing you need really have as a school teacher, or at least the ability to handle things rationally.

Sorry things aren't working out for you and such, but really, I think finishing the semester is key since you have to pay for it all the same.

 

[Kardashian]

Wait a second. You're dropping out of school after only giving it two months and you're expecting another area to accept you after missing 6 weeks of study? 6 weeks of study is a lot of missed material. Since you have openly displaced your complete lack of ability to handle a tough situation, I am not shocked they did not accept you.

First of all, where you get off speaking to a complete stranger like that I don't know. The only thing you've displayed so far is negativity and pure nastiness. Totally uncalled for, and quite frankly, a useless post.

Yes, I am dropping out after 2 months? Why? Because the course is not for me. If you think it's intelligent to get into debt for the rest of my life persuing something which I do not find interesting, or to my abilities, that says a lot about you more than it does me. Quite frankly, I think it makes sense to rectify the situation before it becomes something much worse. Maybe you are able to throw money around and not face consequences.

There was no tough situation. I did not like the course. I could not do the course. There was no 'trying harder'. Could you go and work for NASA tomorrow, if you put in the effort? People have different levels of abilities.

Now, as for school teachers go, in the US you basically learn quite a bit and it is during the end of your four years that you really start working with kids. You're taught the why and then the how comes later. As Abstract said, it is probably for the best you're quitting because patience is one thing you need really have as a school teacher, or at least the ability to handle things rationally.

I'm not in the US. Again, doesn't help. Also, don't make assumptions that I don't have patience, or the ability to handle things rationally. I have experienced situations and been through things during my short 19 years most people of any age couldn't even imagine.

To me, its rational that I leave now, and at least attempt to begin a course which I will be able to earn a degree in, and also find interesting - and not waste thousands of pounds persuing something I know is wrong for me. You think that's not a rational decision? Please.

Sorry things aren't working out for you and such, but really, I think finishing the semester is key since you have to pay for it all the same.

And then do what? Next year wave around a piece of paper that says "I completed a semester and dropped out! Will you accept me?"

As has been said before - you do not pay the Student Loan until you start working full time. That is - when you earn more than £15,000 per year (or something like that). It comes off your wage, before tax I believe. Again, as it has been pointed out - this is usually a tiny amount ~ £20-£30.

That's great - thank you.

You will be able to apply for a loan next year. It will get added on to your outstanding balance.

Fab news. Perfect!!

And no, if you tell the University that you are leaving, your loan payments should stop. You may be able to get a refund on tuition as you have only stayed on your course for 6 weeks. It will probably be a pro-rata refund.

Tuiton fee's don't get paid by the Student Loan Co. until January. So, if I leave now, they might turn to me for the £1,000 (1/3 of the full amount).

I'm not going to formally drop out until my next loan date. That way, I can cover my accommodation, and the university will be paid - and I can just worry about paying it all off at the end, when I've graduated and earning £15/£17K+.

Thanks so much for your help ,really appreciate it.

 

[rhsgolfer33]

First of all, where you get off speaking to a complete stranger like that I don't know. The only thing you've displayed so far is negativity and pure nastiness. Totally uncalled for, and quite frankly, a useless post.

Yes, I am dropping out after 2 months? Why? Because the course is not for me. If you think it's intelligent to get into debt for the rest of my life persuing something which I do not find interesting, or to my abilities, that says a lot about you more than it does me. Quite frankly, I think it makes sense to rectify the situation before it becomes something much worse. Maybe you are able to throw money around and not face consequences.

There was no tough situation. I did not like the course. I could not do the course. There was no 'trying harder'. Could you go and work for NASA tomorrow, if you put in the effort? People have different levels of abilities.



I'm not in the US. Again, doesn't help. Also, don't make assumptions that I don't have patience, or the ability to handle things rationally. I have experienced situations and been through things during my short 19 years most people of any age couldn't even imagine.

To me, its rational that I leave now, and at least attempt to begin a course which I will be able to earn a degree in, and also find interesting - and not waste thousands of pounds persuing something I know is wrong for me. You think that's not a rational decision? Please.



And then do what? Next year wave around a piece of paper that says "I completed a semester and dropped out! Will you accept me?"

Jessica wasn't being nasty at all, you asked for advice on this forum and you received it, so you should probably drop the attitude. Her post has very useful advice in it, but it seems you had made up your mind to leave the program from the beginning, so none of the advice people have provided has really made it through to you.

You've already paid for the term, you should finish it. It is possible that the coureses will be accepted at whatever university you choose to attend next. Would you rather really waste your money and time or would you rather have a few credits already when you go to your next school?

I don't buy that you can't do the course, Pedagogy is no harder than any Psychology or History course. You are making excuses for your failure. Not liking the course, whatever, I don't like half the courses I've had to take, but I haven't quit. Hell, I didn't think I could do half of the either, Calculus? Business Law with a teacher they call Chain Saw? Yeah, well I go out of them just fine because I didn't give up and I studied 40-60 hours a week, thats what college takes and thats what prospective employers are looking for, perseverance and determination. If you were as determined to succeed in these course as you were to quit them you'd probably get high marks.

That piece of paper, known as a transcript, will likely say what courses you completed and what marks you earned in them, it could actually help you at your next school. Some schools do accept credits from other colleges and you could have at least one or two requirements waived at whatever school you go to next.

This all being said, I don't care if you listen to Jessica, me, or any of the others who have told you to finish the semester out. At 19 I didn't listen to anyone because I always knew best, its amazing what a few years of college does for you.

 

[Kardashian]

Jessica wasn't being nasty at all, you asked for advice on this forum and you received it, so you should probably drop the attitude. Her post has very useful advice in it, but it seems you had made up your mind to leave the program from the beginning, so none of the advice people have provided has really made it through to you.

You've already paid for the term, you should finish it. It is possible that the coureses will be accepted at whatever university you choose to attend next. Would you rather really waste your money and time or would you rather have a few credits already when you go to your next school?

I don't buy that you can't do the course, Pedagogy is no harder than any Psychology or History course. You are making excuses for your failure. Not liking the course, whatever, I don't like half the courses I've had to take, but I haven't quit. Hell, I didn't think I could do half of the either, Calculus? Business Law with a teacher they call Chain Saw? Yeah, well I go out of them just fine because I didn't give up and I studied 40-60 hours a week, thats what college takes and thats what prospective employers are looking for, perseverance and determination. If you were as determined to succeed in these course as you were to quit them you'd probably get high marks.

That piece of paper, known as a transcript, will likely say what courses you completed and what marks you earned in them, it could actually help you at your next school. Some schools do accept credits from other colleges and you could have at least one or two requirements waived at whatever school you go to next.

This all being said, I don't care if you listen to Jessica, me, or any of the others who have told you to finish the semester out. At 19 I didn't listen to anyone because I always knew best, its amazing what a few years of college does for you.

Firstly, she didn't give advice. Like you, she talked to me like she was God, all mighty and all knowing. It is my life. Yes, I wanted advice, not to be told what to do.

UK and US? Yes. It does matter. 'Credits' do not transfer. Also, in your first year, 90% of most courses' exam marks and points don't even count towards your degree mark. When your Grandfather is President of a University, I'll let you dictate to me on the in's and out's. Mine has successfully held the position for 8 years. Also, you can transfer after 6 weeks. Friends have changed course as late as the second term. Even in my Grandfathers' university they allow it. It might he hard for you to digest, since you're a university graduate who worked 40-60 hours a week, but you're wrong on all the above points.

So far, I haven't failed - I simply haven't continued. I haven't sat an exam. I've had no assignments to complete. So tell me, what have I actually failed? Will they write on my folder 'Kardashian - Failed' or will it be 'Kardashian - Left'. I think its more than likely to be the latter.

How on earth can you 'not buy' that I find the course too difficult? I'm accepting the fact I've tried - and can't. You can't do everything you set your mind too. You can give it a damn good effort - which I have. Surely it's better to admit defeat, pick myself up and move on.

If you enjoyed completing a course you didn't always enjoy - good luck to you. I intend to be happy in my life, whenever possible. That might create situations where people like yourself and Jessica don't agree with me - but I'm living my life for me. The decisions I make, as long as they don't harm anyone else, are to benefit my happiness.

If I'm happy - what does it matter? What's wrong in that?

 

[rhsgolfer33]

Firstly, she didn't give advice. Like you, she talked to me like she was God, all mighty and all knowing. It is my life. Yes, I wanted advice, not to be told what to do.

So far, I haven't failed - I simply haven't continued. I haven't sat an exam. I've had no assignments to complete. So tell me, what have I actually failed? Will they write on my folder 'Kardashian - Failed' or will it be 'Kardashian - Left'. I think its more than likely to be the latter.

How on earth can you 'not buy' that I find the course too difficult? I'm accepting the fact I've tried - and can't. You can't do everything you set your mind too. You can give it a damn good effort - which I have. Surely it's better to admit defeat, pick myself up and move on.

If you enjoyed completing a course you didn't always enjoy - good luck to you. I intend to be happy in my life, whenever possible. That might create situations where people like yourself and Jessica don't agree with me - but I'm living my life for me. The decisions I make, as long as they don't harm anyone else, are to benefit my happiness.

If I'm happy - what does it matter? What's wrong in that?

She nor I never talked to you like we were God, we gave you advice. I told you what I though you should do, finish the semester then leave.

Fine, courses don't transfer, but which looks better: withdrawing from courses early or finishing the courses, getting decent marks, and then leaving the college for another school?

I didn't say you failed at school. I said if you were as determined to finish the courses as you were to quit you'd probably get very high marks.

You should evaluate how much effort you put into those course, college level courses can require 2-3 hours of outside studying for every hour in class. Thats why I said I generally study 40-60 hours a week. I have 20 semester units, 2-3 hours of time outside is generally spent per in-class hour preparing for those 20 hours a week in class.

You had better get used to taking classes you don't like, you'll have a lot of them in college. It isn't all fun and games, it isn't all hands on, and it doesn't all relate to your ultimate goal, but you still have to take the classes. I hate my Statistics class right now, I hate the Professor, I cannot stand his teaching style, and I learned the material in a previous class 3 years ago, but guess what, I still have to take the class! I hate the homework, I think the exams are difficult and I think the projects are stupid and intentionally overly difficult, but hey, I'll do well in the class because I put 12-15 hours a week into studying for it. College is hard, even the "easy" majors are hard.

I don't enjoy completing course I don't enjoy, that doesn't make the slightest bit of sense, but I do follow through and complete them because I have to. You are going to have to do things you don't enjoy throughout your life and college is not an exception. I'm glad you're living your life for you, so am I, but regardless of that there are always, always going to be things you have to do in life that are not for you. That Stats class, I sure as hell am not taking it to gain the knowledge of Statistics (which I already have a basic knowledge of), I'm doing it so I can graduate and move on to classes that I want to take. Also, I'm of the firm belief that pretty much anyone that makes it into a university can do whatever they set their mind to. Could I get a degree in Bioengineering? Sure. Should I? Probably not. Personally, I think you can do well in your classes, you seem fairly reasonable and intelligent, I'm certain you'd do fine provided you were extremely determined to.

There is nothing wrong with being happy, I applaud anyone that can truly say they are happy.

Since you've left the courses I would suggest trying to see if your grandfather can get you in at his school. If not, maybe you can make applications to enter at another college in the spring, if its possible. Or you could always get a job and apply again at a different program next fall. I don't mean to sound snide, I do want to help, hopefully your next program will work out more to your liking.

 

[EV0LUTION]

create a paypal donation fund or something, I'm sure if you tell enough people about your situation you'll get some money.

Build something and sell it.

I've paid for my 4 semesters abroad through freelance.

Become a male prostitute

COME ON MAN, THINK!!

 

[grandmachar2002]

your life is no where near in ruins. Please change the title of the thread

 

[63dot]

I wanted to become a teacher - not learn how one works, if that makes sense? I know there's a thin line between the 2 - it's just not what I expected. There's no training, or experience in a real school environment.

It's sad that college and university is so theory based in most cases. Often the people teaching the course are professional professors and either have not been in the field for a long time, or ever. I can't think of too many places where college is better in practical ways than trade school. I hate to say it, but the most practical education I have had were unaccredited trade schools vs. the regionally accredited, nationally accredited, and federally accredited institutions of higher learning that are well funded but really low on real life experience.

One non regionally accredited school I went to and gave me more money than most computer science majors was the unaccredited, gasp, Microsoft owned technician's school in silicon valley. No degree, no recognition by the Western Associations of Schools and Colleges, no recognition by the United States Department of Education, just a whole grouping of schools controlled largely by the richest man in the world of the last fifteen years, one by the way, who does not have a degree or professorship. A practical guy named Bill Gates with a practical approach to training his people and other people who want to work with his products.

When people talk about the false life inside the ivory tower of education, they are people who have lived outside in the real world and had to struggle to get jobs based on experience and skill, not diplomas. At least in high tech, your skills are your ace in your pocket and I can imagine that there are a lot of other fields where this is true. If you get a college education, have it as an addition to your KSAs, aka knowledge, skills, and abilities.

 

[garybUK]

Uni isn't the be-all and end-all to life, plenty of people get really good jobs not going to Uni. Personally i think it's advisable to get out now rather than 2 years down the line when it becomes a lot harder.

My advise: pay off the debts get a job or something for a bit, have a good think about what you REALLY want to do and go for it.