OK. I have never considered myself an academic. In fact, I have never learned how to study. I was diagnosed with ADD as a child, and I think it has followed me into adulthood. I'm wondering if maybe I have dyslexia as well. I just don't know. Anyway, I got my GED 3 years ago, and I have been wanting to do something with it. I have a serious self confidence problem, and I'm sure that's not any help at all. I always did poorly in school because I guess I just didn't care. I have a hard time grasping concepts. Anyway, since I decided that I would like to be a nurse, I need to make all of this stuff work. I know I need to go to the CC so that I can brush up on my general Ed. I am just getting frustrated because I'm looking at what is involved in things like chemistry and micro biology, and to be totally honest, I'm a bit terrified. It's hard for me to imagine an ole redneck like myself doing these things, but I really have to make it work. What should I do? Should I just start out with things like the general math and ENglish and then move into chemistry or what should I do? I just don't want to step into a big pile of *** I know i'm not stupid or anything, and I'm planning on going into all of this with an open mind so that I am not corrupted by bad habits. Also, my spelling is horrible. If it wasn't for spell check, I don't know what I will do. I need direction. Thanks.
Thank You to each and every one of you kind folks. I have read all of your advice, and it has helped out tremendously. I usually get kind of anxious. It's just that if I'm going to dedicate the next 3-5 years of my life to this and thousands of dollars, I can't have it fail on me. I have never put that much time or resources into ANYTHING. I just have to make it work. I'm sure you guys all understand that.
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Nursing school is the same.I didn't think I could do it either and chemistry terrified me.Take it one step at a time. Use the resources available.It sounds like you have a good attitude.Hang in there. I went back to school at 38 and I found that things were easier when you were motivated and you really wanted it.YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
Have picked a program and looked into prerequisites?
I am also a high school drop out! I was awarded my GED diploma in 2012. I took 2 classes when I first went back to school, an honors english class (I scored well on the placement test), and a developmental math (read non-credit; did not score well on the placement test). I found by taking something I was good and and something I had to really work at to be proficient in, it made my 1st semester back in school both confidence boosting, as well as a reality check as to what it was going to take for me to do well.
As a few other previous posters have mentioned I do really suggest inquiring with your CC about available student success classes and seminars. Also, try typing in "study" / "studying" in the search bar on his site, as well as on youtube. You'll find a plethora of information that you can add to your plate like you're walking through a knowledge buffet.
Most importantly, remember everyone learns differently, what may work for someone else may not work from you. This doesn't mean that you're incapable of the program or reaching your end goal. Just means you have to get there via a different path. Good Luck!
It sounds like you have a lot of other things going on in your life that are stressing you out. I think that maybe addressing some of your negative self-thoughts will set you up for success more than any tutor or study-plan could do. Negative thinking often leads to self-fulfilling prophecies. Nursing school is a arduous, expensive journey. Perhaps addressing some of your concerns with a therapist before starting NS would be helpful? Good luck! I'm sure that you can do it, but you need to be the one who is convinced of your competency and ability to succeed!
:Pursue your dream. Get all the guidance counseling, tutoring, college success classes you need. Find grants and other free money (not loans if you can avoid them) by searching the internet and asking the reference librarians to help you. Go to federal and state departments of education websites, too.
You will succeed if you have a solid plan and stick to it, revise it if need be, but never give up. Here's wishing you all the best.
Took me 6.5 years to get my BSN! It took my friend 8 years because she only went to 6th grade. You can do it! Take it easy, watch alot of basic youtube science vidoes, and study your butt off, ask for help. get to know your teachers, study groups, and make it fun. I loved school. I was never good at science, but I love it, so I learned it. Took me alot of reviewing and finding weird ways to learn things, but if you want something bad enough you will do it. I was a single mom, with abusive ex husband who stalked me through college, and suffered a chronic pain problem (which is now 80% better!). If you want it bad enough, do it. I had no idea how I would pay for my private education, but I did. Strange how things work out if you take the first step. Now, onto findng that alusive coveted RN position that makes me sort of want to get up in the morning. Yep, I had an awesome counselor (outside of school) who I thank for helping me through college - we became really good friends at the end!!!
NCmcMan
123 Posts
Thank You to each and every one of you kind folks. I have read all of your advice, and it has helped out tremendously. I usually get kind of anxious. It's just that if I'm going to dedicate the next 3-5 years of my life to this and thousands of dollars, I can't have it fail on me. I have never put that much time or resources into ANYTHING. I just have to make it work. I'm sure you guys all understand that.