Around the World
Build your own trip
Go to page: 1 |
 |
School and Parents. What to do. |
 Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 12:23 pm |
  |
| Right now, I'm in my third semester (second year) of university and I feel like it's all been a waste of money. The first year, I was doing business, didn't go well at all... I had horrible grades and felt bad. This semester I switched my major to English with a minor in folklore. And at first everything was rock solid, however at the end of September my grades started to fall even thought I was studying really hard... I just can't seem to keep what I learn in my head. I never wanted to do business or get an English degree I just felt I had to do something my parents would see as sensible... what I want to do and have been wanting to do since I finished high school was do a journalism program. It's the field I wanted to be in for a long time...
However; My parents and I, while we don't hate each other or anything, don't have a close relationship so I've never talked to them about serious things growing up... my mother told me what she wanted and I just did it. Now, I'm nineteen and I want to just drop the next semester and work full time, save up for about eight months and take a year off. I feel like it's what I need to do for me to grow up and find myself as person. I just have no idea how to break it to my mom and dad(I talk to him only once or twice a month, we aren't super close) that this is what I want to do... because I feel like they will not take me seriously when I bring up the topic. I do hope that I wrote the above clearly, I felt describing the situation in full was the best idea. Thanks for an feedback. Also I'm in Canada and as far as I know High school for me is college in the UK? At least that's what I've been told. |
|
| Back to top | Location: Unknown | 2 Posts |
| Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:00 pm |
|
My mother was not impressed when i told my parents I was planning on taking a gap year, and she still has a go at me every so often about getting an education, a proper career (a job isn't enough apparnently, and campaigning for charity isn't a good enough career), settling down, having a husband, 2.4 kids or whatever. Still, I'm lucky, my dad and I are pretty close, and he's always had pretty itchy feet, I kinda get the feeling that if I invited him to come he would. Basically what I'm trying to say is to sit them down, tell them what you plan do do and how you're going to do it, and then go for it. They'll treat you less like a kid if you act like an adult it and tell them what you're thinking  |
|
| Back to top | Location: Unknown | 116 Posts |
| Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:52 pm |
|
|
Its your life! I know what its like to be disapointment to my parents believe me. I dropped out of college. I eventually went back but after my first drop out they never thought I would stick to it. But I did. I have bummed about in job after job for a few years never really settling on anything coz deep down I always wanted to travel, but was too lazy to save the money. Now I have actually taken the bullet settled down and saved for this trip I actually feel like my parents are proud of me. They tell everyone I am off to travel round Oz like its something really special! Saving for and funding a gap year is not something to be ashamed of. Getting up and travelling the world by yourself isnt something just anybody has the guts to do. I think your parents would be proud their son has the guts to do this. Especially if your feeling a bit down at the moment. It sounds like you are. 
That might be part of the reason you cant seem to keep your studies in your head. Depression can do that to you. Just coz you dont feel suicidal doesnt mean you not depressed. You sound very similar to how I felt before I booked my trip. Everything seemed so grey. Now everything is exciting again. Have you spoken to your college to see if they can give you leave of absense or something if you explain how you feel? I know its hard and you dont want to upset your parents but ultimatley you are an adult and it is your life. Life is short and precious, you only get one shot and you never know when your times up. So I say go for it. 
x |
|
| Back to top | Location: Unknown | 185 Posts |
| Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:07 am |
|
| Honestly I am prepared for what ever difficultly lies in returning to school after my saving period and gap time. However I can't bring myself to even talk about the subject when I am around my Mom. Even if it is just her and I in the room, I choke up and say something else. I am going to wait until after my finals in December to bring it out.
I am a shy person, I don't talk much... which is something I've been working to get over. Mostly I'm not good at starting conversations once one is going I'm fine. So if I can end up getting my point across to my parents it would be smooth sailing. My mom is a hard-case, I can almost predict her reaction of flipping out. |
|
| Back to top | Location: Unknown | 2 Posts |
| Posted: Thu Nov 5, 2009 5:14 pm |
|
|
Well good luck Ryan. If it really is what you want to do please dont chicken out of telling her or you may regret it for the rest of your life
I hope she doesnt react how you think she might. Who knows she may even surprise you and be very supportive. But if this is what you want and need to do, you cant let anything or anyone stop you.
x |
|
| Back to top | Location: Unknown | 185 Posts |
| Posted: Thu Nov 5, 2009 7:43 pm |
|
| I know this sounds like a stupid idea, but sometimes I find when I have something to say that I think I might end up not saying, I write the person a letter. Then when I'm talking to them, I either use the letter to remind me of the point I was going to make, or if I'm really struggling I just give it to them and say I'm sorry I can't seem to find the words. Like I say, it sounds stupid, but it works, especially if you're very shy - it gives you the opportunity to lay out your thoughts in black and white, and you can order and re-order them without being interrupted... Maybe give it a go? Xx | |
| Back to top | Location: Unknown | 3099 Posts |
| Posted: Thu Nov 5, 2009 10:41 pm |
|
| I know how you feel i failed twice and dropped out during A-Levels. Never gone back, got a job with my dad at his work.
Everything was good for a while but worked started to put me down and had enough. I had always liked the idea of going to do a ski/snowboard course in Canada, i went to the meetings in London and soon after that i booked it. I finally brought the courage to tell me parents. My dad was a bit annoyed about it all questioning me about work an all that. But in the end he kind of agreed that the office isn't where i wanted to be. As i love being outdoors. That was the easy bit. I finally told my new manger i am leaving and brought up the courage to talk to the director who got me my job with my dad that i am leaving and if there was a chance in coming back. To be honest i didn't even know why i was so worried! Everyone was fine. It was just in my head i was worrying! I am sure if you sit your parents down and go through with what you are feeling and why you want to go travelling and how hard you have spent saving money. I am sure they will be happy. Any way you can still go back to education when you come home if you wanted. There is plenty of time for all that later! Now is the time to do what YOU want! Not anyone else. Its your life, you'll regret it otherwise! |
|
| Back to top | Location: Unknown | 352 Posts |
| Posted: Mon Nov 9, 2009 1:41 pm |
|
I know this sounds like a stupid idea, but sometimes I find when I have something to say that I think I might end up not saying, I write the person a letter. Then when I'm talking to them, I either use the letter to remind me of the point I was going to make, or if I'm really struggling I just give it to them and say I'm sorry I can't seem to find the words. Like I say, it sounds stupid, but it works, especially if you're very shy - it gives you the opportunity to lay out your thoughts in black and white, and you can order and re-order them without being interrupted... Maybe give it a go? Xx
I totally agree the letter idea is great. You will say everything you want to say and without having to be nervous about or being interupted mid flow. Plus you can rewrite it as many times as you like to say what you really want to say. x |
|
| Back to top | Location: Unknown | 185 Posts |
Go to page: 1 |
Previous Message :: Next Message |
|
|
Favourites
Digg
Furl
Del.icio.us
Facebook
Google
Reddit
More Services >>
