do-over at 40

Congratulations!!!

In my program, if you miss 3 classes you drop a letter grade and if you miss 4 classes you fail out of the class so there are consequences for absences. Homework (so far) is expected to be done but other than not getting credit (which affects the overall class grade), there doesn't seem to be much by way of repercussions for not doing it. Mostly I just think it's sad because if this is the way these people approach learning, I can only imagine the poor quality of care they'll provide as nurses. It's too bad they don't have more pride in themselves than that. I guess I'm just surprised & disappointed by what I'm seeing. I was really looking forward to learning WITH people instead of having to take on the "whatever - I'm here for me" viewpoint.

Hi all - I was just wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same thing I am with classmates who really don't seem to be making much of an effort. I'm stunned that we are only 4 weeks into our 18 month program and so many people are blowing off classes, refusing to do homework, and not taking advantage of the additional low-cost mini-courses that my school offers. It simply doesn't make any sense to me. Maybe it's because I'm a little older than most of them or because this is my second career so I'm most accustomed to the "you don't have to like it, you just have to DO it" aspect of things. I don't know. I'm just disappointed that so few people are taking this endeavor seriously. I thought, with as competitive as this program allegedly is, there would be more enthusiasm & drive within the group. Is this just a common thing for LPN programs (i.e. a few high achievers & everyone else is either mediocre or fails out) or just mine?

Contact your credit card companies directly & make them aware of the situation. Don't ask for special treatment or anything, just get it on the record that it is your intention to pay. Then send them something - ANYTHING - a $5 payment is better than no payment at all & should keep your account from being listed with 'failure to pay' but rather 'insufficient payment'. Please don't buy into the idea that you're young & have plenty of time to fix your credit. Bad credit will follow you for the rest of your life.

I'm so sorry that you're feeling overwhelmed & hopeless. As someone who has struggled with depression & anxiety myself, I know what it's like to stand at the bottom of your life and feel like you'll never get anywhere. That said, let me tell you something I know for sure: Depression LIES. Fear LIES. Please don't let those lies lead you to a darker place or put you in a position that you cannot recover from. Seek out resources in your community (friends, social services, church, school, family) to get the support and help that you clearly need. The truth? Things can get better. The truth? You are worth it. Be brave - ask for help - and know that you are more valuable than you could possibly know.

I had to take an entrance exam (HESI) and write a 500 word essay to get pre-admitted to the program. Now I have to take 4 classes, complete my physical, get all my vaccinations, pass a drug test & FBI background check. As long as I get 85% or better in all my classes & take care of the aforementioned requirements, I will be fully admitted into the program after completing the 1st quarter.

Let me say to you what I *wish* someone had said to me when I was your age: this is your life & you are ultimately responsible for creating your own happiness. Yes, your parents will probably be angry but you know what? They'll get it over it. Please don't do what I did and waste years & years of trying to fulfill someone else's vision of your life. Beyond that, if you have no interest in taking care of sick people, please do not be a nurse. Don't even try it. Having been both a patient & a loved one of someone who was critically ill, it is a terrible thing to be stuck with a nurse who clearly doesn't want to help. Finally, your parents are straight up wrong about the career prospects for graphic designers. Graphic Designers : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a steady growth in this field (as of this 2010 study) and subsequent reports by sites like Careerbuilder & Monster show that graphic design is a top 20 leader in growth over the next 10 years. Follow your dream - live your life. Everything will be fine.