Is college truly for me?

I’m currently a freshman at a community college majoring in Psychology (one of my interests). I’ve always gotten good grades and made an effort to challenge myself academically, but when it came time to go to college, I basically just ditched the 4-year university that I was planning to attend and decided to live at home and go to community college instead out of fear.

I feel that because of my background, college is the next expected step for me, but I don’t know if I’m ready to proceed all the way through it. My communication skills aren’t the best, and I find it difficult to express myself verbally when I haven’t outlined exactly what I’m going to say…not exactly what employers are willing to accept in job interviews.

I’ve looked all over the place for explanations for this, but I haven’t been able to find anything that fits me (although I have been made really paranoid about using proper body language thanks to reading about Asperger syndrome).

I don’t have enough to afford a bachelor’s degree out of my own pocket, and I’m especially leery about taking out student loans after hearing stories about how much debt can mushroom after falling short on just a single payment. So much can happen in a few years – for all I know, I won’t be able to find a job after college and be in this same situation.

I’ve been through many career surveys, and the careers that sound most interesting to me are therapist, writer (fantasy, video game, nonfiction – anything really), and special educator. I want to do something where I can aid and inspire other people, which again poses a problem due to my limited communication skills.

I just want to know if anyone else has been through a similar situation or has any advice for me.

Thank you very much in advance.

Yes! College is definitely for YOU!

You say you are a good student and you have a desire to serve. So prepare yourself. No one was born a great communicator. We were all born babies whose skills had to be developed. You are no different. You’re normal!

People aren’t like on TV, witty and quick thinking. Real Life isn’t like that. Most of us, normal people, have to stop and think and prepare our thoughts. I went through very similar experiences, just like you. That’s life.

At the University, you’ll have a chance to explore your interest and to develop your skills and no one will think less of you for doing it. You’ll be in a safe surrounding. That’s what college is for.

You’ll have to risk everything to get that experience, that training, that preparation and those skills that you’ll need to excel in life. TRUE! Risk everything by leaving your "comfort zone" and going to the university, but it’s a safe surrounding. You’ll enjoy it. You’ll see.

The key is to find your "proper fit school." If you look for it, you’ll have no trouble finding it.

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January 20th, 2010

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Miki

think at it from this way, is a low paying job really for you or is a high paying job really for you.
References :

January 20, 2010 12:02 pm

Bella

All this that you said is me.
I dont like talking to people that much cause l dont think my verbal speaking is well either.I get scared when l have to answer something cause l feel like lma stutter but l just try my best and do it.
Im getting my Bachelor’s in Psychology too and then my Master’s in Social work.I will try my best.And if l can do it anybody can do it.Trust me and talk more in the class around you.Also think bout your future.You dont want to be getting paid 8 dollars an hour all your life.
Keep going to school dont quit trust me.
DOnt continue you will find the career that suits you.

Good Luck!

-Bella.
References :
My life.I hate doing presentations, thats the only thing l have a hard time doing.Other than that lm good.!..This is my 2nd year and l think its going great!=]

January 20, 2010 12:34 pm

Kosta

First of all sorry for the english. I have a similar problem myself i just became freshman for computer science. That job also requires strong verbal/written communication skills which i always lacked. But i know that over the years thorough high school that i was improving slowly but gradually. I took some acting classes it helps communication greatly also makes you find many other awesome people and builds character. It worked for me. What I am saying is than you should finish what you love and if you find obstacles along the way you should never give up if you need to improve yourself then improve yourself, if you need money then find a part time job, It is the most difficult to defeat yourself but once you defeat yourself anything is possible! Just follow your dreams.
References :

January 20, 2010 12:53 pm

TwistedxKiss

You really need to research your federal financial aid options. Federal student loans are not nearly as bad as you seem to think they are and there are safeguards in place should you fall on hard times to help you make the payments. Private student loans are a stickier situation but I think are still worth it if that’s what it takes. For all you know you’d qualify for grants or scholarships that’d cover most if not all your expenses anyway, you’ll never know unless you submit a FAFSA.

I don’t know you, so maybe I’m off base here. But I kind of feel like you have been in a long, drawn out process of giving up ever since you "ditched" the 4 year out of fear. Don’t give up. You have nothing to be afraid of. You can do this, and you’ll be glad you did in the end. You don’t want to look back and wish you hadn’t let your fear control you. I missed out on years of my life out of fear and that’s nothing I’d want for anybody else.
References :

January 20, 2010 1:17 pm

n_ricki

Yes! College is definitely for YOU!

You say you are a good student and you have a desire to serve. So prepare yourself. No one was born a great communicator. We were all born babies whose skills had to be developed. You are no different. You’re normal!

People aren’t like on TV, witty and quick thinking. Real Life isn’t like that. Most of us, normal people, have to stop and think and prepare our thoughts. I went through very similar experiences, just like you. That’s life.

At the University, you’ll have a chance to explore your interest and to develop your skills and no one will think less of you for doing it. You’ll be in a safe surrounding. That’s what college is for.

You’ll have to risk everything to get that experience, that training, that preparation and those skills that you’ll need to excel in life. TRUE! Risk everything by leaving your "comfort zone" and going to the university, but it’s a safe surrounding. You’ll enjoy it. You’ll see.

The key is to find your "proper fit school." If you look for it, you’ll have no trouble finding it.
References :
Find yourself some college money:
http://www.fastweb.com
http://www.scholarships.com
http://www.petersons.com

January 20, 2010 1:39 pm

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