Freaking out about classes

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Okay, breathe, breathe, breathe, that's what I keep telling myself. As classes approach I get a little more panicked. First off we have wound up tapping into the money set aside for school because of unexpected home repairs so money is becoming an issue. I do not qualify for pell grants and am not eligle for student loans unless I have 12 credits earned at this school. I only have 11 as of now because most of my classes were transfer. We have 5 kids - 3 of them not in school yet, but financial aid doesn't seem to take childcare costs into factor when determining financial aid. My sister is the only one I can afford to pay to watch them. She is cutting me a good deal and only charging me $150 a week for 3 kids (one being an infant), but that is still a lot of money to come up with. She can't do it for less than that or she has to get a job. My sister is not all that reliable and concerned about her watching them, but that's the best I can do there. Also she is not watching them full time just part time. She is coming here to watch the kids which will help with things a lot, but with her only watching them part time it is not leaving me much study time. Since we are running out of money my husband will probably wind up volunteering for as much overtime as possible at work which leads back to problem number 2 - study time. I was already stressed about that, but then I got the syllabus and packet for nursing classes and have been absolutely nauseous since then. OMG! Just looking at the amount of work is completely overwhelming. I knew that this would be a lot of work since this is actually my second attempt at nursing school, but I guess I just blocked it out of my head or something. I am also currently breastfeeding and I really don't want to wean my daughter yet - and I won't but I am starting to foresee problems there as well. (I will supplement with formula if need be.) Not doing this is not an option for me. I have waited my entire life to do this so I will do this, just trying to keep myself calm and relaxed and together. Usually I can keep it all together, but today just freaking out. How do you all keep yourself relaxed when the stress kicks in? I know I am not the only one dealing with stress from nursing school. Any ideas on finding financial aid/scholarships for school? We have done FAFSA and like I said before did not qualify for pell grants and not eligible for student loans till next semester. Is there anything I can do with that? That and stress relief tips would be appreciated.

Teresa

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Have you thought of picking up one more class so that you have 12 credits. Not a difficult class...maybe a fun one.

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Teresa,

I will keep you in my prayers. It sounds like your going thru a tough time getting everything in place for school. I pray that your sister will be reliable since this is a big thing! $150 really isn't a lot, praise the Lord you were able to get her to go that cheap.

When I get stressed I pray about it, talk to my friend, and pray some more!

Best of luck getting some sort of finacial aid.

Kay

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Thersa:

In reading your thread, chills came down my spine. But, you're 100% -- there are many of us in your type of a situation. I know that you mentioned that your sister is the only one you can rely on. But what about close friends --- that's who help me. Are you a sinlge parent? If not, can your husband pitch in more? I would go to your school and speak with your financial aid officer. Make sure that you've explored every option. You should be eligible for loans (subsidized and unsubsidized). Also, check with your school about childcare. My school offers childcare through the hosiptal while you're in class and even if you need study time. It's usually very cheap, sounds crazy but even cheaper on a monthly basis then what you're paying your sister. Have you considered night classes? This way you can be home for the kids during the day and study and at night (provided hubby or someone can watch them) you could attend school and this may relieve you of childcare costs.

I wish you the best. If you need anything email me - [email protected]

Mare

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You'll make it!!!

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Originally posted by essarge

Have you thought of picking up one more class so that you have 12 credits. Not a difficult class...maybe a fun one.

I had, but the time I found out about it was a little too late to do it. I would have had to take it during the summer which really wasn't doable then because my baby was just a few weeks old then. I will have 12 credits at the end of this semester though so if I can make it through this semester I will be ok.

Teresa

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Specializes in LTC, Post OP.

u mean to tell me with five kids u don't qualify for a grant(SHeeeeesh that sucks:(. Have u tried going to the finacial aid office and telling them of your situation.

(Never realize u had to have so many credits to get a student loan). There maybe other programs u qualify for. I admire u to go back to school with 5 kids, i keep praying lord help me with the kids when i got to school, i have 2 (13 months and 4) Bless your heart

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Specializes in LTC, Post OP.

Also there may be a program by your state that may pay for child care for u, if u and hubby meet certain criteria!!

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Wowwwwwww!!!!!!!!!! You're good I have four kids and don't see how I'm going to do it. Girl you gooooo!!! Keep your head up if god brought you to it he'll bring you through it:) :) .

Take one day at a time............

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Originally posted by Momof2Bys2Grls

Wowwwwwww!!!!!!!!!! You're good I have four kids and don't see how I'm going to do it. Girl you gooooo!!! Keep your head up if god brought you to it he'll bring you through it:) :) .

Take one day at a time............

Thank you, we are going on vacation as of tonight. Camping - cause that is affordable, lol. My husband makes a decent income, we are just above income level for almost all of the aid available - WIC, and above the income criteria for child care assistance. The reason being is that he works 50-60 hours a week most weeks. If he didn't work the overtime we would qualify for things, but if he doesn't work it it makes it tough for us to get by. (Plus most of the overtime is mandatory so he doesn't have a choice and has to work it.) I am sure we can do this just stressed out a little and trying to make sure I have checked into all resources available. I am going to check back with the financial aid office again and see if they have anything available. Thanks for your support. I think I needed the encouragment more than anything.

Teresa

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Originally posted by Mariannsi

Thersa:

In reading your thread, chills came down my spine. But, you're 100% -- there are many of us in your type of a situation. I know that you mentioned that your sister is the only one you can rely on. But what about close friends --- that's who help me. Are you a sinlge parent? If not, can your husband pitch in more? I would go to your school and speak with your financial aid officer. Make sure that you've explored every option. You should be eligible for loans (subsidized and unsubsidized). Also, check with your school about childcare. My school offers childcare through the hosiptal while you're in class and even if you need study time. It's usually very cheap, sounds crazy but even cheaper on a monthly basis then what you're paying your sister. Have you considered night classes? This way you can be home for the kids during the day and study and at night (provided hubby or someone can watch them) you could attend school and this may relieve you of childcare costs.

I wish you the best. If you need anything email me - [email protected]

Mare

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You'll make it!!!

Night classes not an option with this nursing program. Plus my hubby is taking night classes two nights a week. He gets the GI Bill for his classes and his work also pays for his classes so we are using the money from his GI Bill to pay for most of my school expenses, but we are still a little short. I can't complain about him. He works hard, goes to classes too, and helps out as much as he can. I am going to start calling family though and see who can help. Not sure why I hadn't thought to do that sooner. Most of my family lives in Florida, but all of my hubby's family is here. I will see if any of them will help out too.

Teresa

Teresa

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Originally posted by KAYfutureLPN

Teresa,

I $150 really isn't a lot, praise the Lord you were able to get her to go that cheap.

Kay

I am definitely grateful there. So far I have had a lot of obstacles in my way and I do have to believe God has a plan. We have basically been going on faith and it's got us this far. I appreciate your prayers.

Teresa

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Teresa

I can only imagine how you feel. I just had a good 30 minute cry myself about financial problems, and I have no children. I will keep you in my prayers.

My school has 1 credit classes. They are offered in all semesters and include things like fittness walking or tennis. You usually only have to keep a diary of how much you walked and how it made you feel. Then at the end of the semester, you turn the diary in for your grade. Maybe see if your school has any classes like this.

As far as advice goes for keeping my cool, I usually have a nervouse break down first, then I remind myself that I need to just take one day at a time, one minute at a time. Sometimes thinking ahead gets me really worked up. I try and tell myself that I'll tackle each mountain when I get to it. In the end I hope we are all standing at the top, strong as heck for climbing it and laughing at all our struggles. Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes.

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