Going Back to School

[Sysop]

Are you a student with a job? Or an employee going back to school? Share the challenges and benefits

[DrHilieWho]

I'm a mom, and a freelance writer, who is going back to school. This morning I spent right around $1000 on THREE classes and the books. One book cost $119 and is being retired after this semester so the school wont buy any of it back, and chances that someone will need a copy is slim.

I have been feeling really low about it all day. $1000 would start two healthy college funds for our kids. $1000 could buy a lot of things that we need. It could pay bills we've been working on for awhile. I know that once I have my degree I'll be able to get a better paying job that will really help our family BUT I still feel guilty.

Now if I can only make sure I ACE these classes, maybe then I'll feel a little better

[shergo]

DrHillieWho, I understand! I know that publishers charge horrible prices for the books. I have many, many students in your position, but I can only say that it will be worth it. Think of the wonderful example you are setting for your children.

[DrHilieWho]

(((((shergo))))) Thank you so much! And nice to meet you!!

[creative_scrawl]

Ah, I finally made it here, lol! For those of you who know me, you know I've been in school for forever; it's been three years. The good news is that next Fall, I will graduate.

I won't deny that school has it's ups and downs. It's also pretty frightening to know that the family I live with doesn't support me.

In some ways, I think it's harder going back to school after being out of high school (or any school for a period of time) because once you've left something, it's easier to put it off.

I went back at 30, and yes, there's been times when I've been older than my professor. I've had my moments of tears, my moments when I've been proud of my accomplishments, and my moments when I count down the amount of classes to gradution. (Not that many more!)

I support anybody who makes that decision to go back. In the long run, I think it is worth it. I went in believing I couldn't do it, but through my sisters here and the many friends I have, I was able to build a support network. For me, that was a lifesaver. Funny, as negative as I was about my abilities, it was counteracted by the positive things people had to tell me.

Yes, the books can be expensive. I needed five novels for a class I'm currently taking. The books are heavy, it's cold and rainy out and going from one building to the next is a pain, especially for those who have a more difficult time getting around.

Like all students, even though I am an adult, I look forward to blizzards, lol. I don't mind those days when there isn't any school because of weather. ROFL, I don't think that changes at ANY age!

Now I am considering the GRE. I never considered grad school before, and oddly enough, a professor at school sat me down and asked me point blank what I was going to do after graduation. I didn't have an answer for her.

I've found mentors at school and that helps. I really look up to a few professors, so they are the ones I go to whenever I am losing confidence. Sadly, the budget has been cut so bad that we have lost several excellent professors.

We are losing another one in the spring, and this not only hurts the students, but the professors are also hurt.

IMO, teachers do not get paid what their worth. Yes, it's wonderful to be an English major, a doctor, a nurse, a contractor, or a photographer, but you know, we couldn't be those things if it wasn't for the professors.

True, some of them are enough to make you wonder why you're in school, but there are far more who make learning a fun experience.

Okay, I've written enough now, haven't I?

[triskashane]

I would not quit my job to go to graduate school at this time. I say this based on advice from coworkers with more experience than me, including one who did quit work to go back to school and who was shocked at how difficult it was to return even with reinstatement rights. Go to school at night if you can, part time.




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[Moondaisy]

What ages are you guys, if it is okay to ask? I am in nursing school and at the weekends work in a nursing home, work and college are about 2 hours apart so I can't work during the week. I worked crazy hours during the summer (some 80hour weeks) to save up for college as I will not have my parents do it, even if they want to. I am one if the youngest in my course, some are in their 30's, juggling families and stuff and I guess I have to say fair play to them as I couldn't do it.

[Wolf_angel]

Moondaisy you'd be surprised what you could do more so if you were a parent of children. Its called time balancing. Moms and others know how to do this. Some not so good others excel. Now mind you my youngest is 19 years old yet I am in school for Phlebotomy. I have a 22 year old daughter who just had her third baby last sunday living at home as well I take care of the house, animals, bills, appointments for them and myself, as well as go to school two nights a week. Although my one car is out of commission right now, I do make do and work towards a better life for myself. Mind you I cant rely on the husband so it was quite a shock and surprise to see him home the other day into yesterday! Then to help us as well. I swear I was near heart attack! LOL not Yet you can juggle and work things out. Main thing is taking time out so you dont get stressed out or burned out. Hope this helps! LOL Oh yeah I am like 22 years older than my daughter! <WEG>

[Moondaisy]

Wow - fair play to you!.... what is Phlebotomy?

[IRISH_EYES_99]

phlebotomy /phlebotomist = Lab work .. One who takes your blood for lab work. Wishing you good luck Wolf_Angel. Hope you learn how to do it without a lot of pain. I have one lab person at the hospital that I request. Don't even feel the needle. Others end up going to different areas to poke with the needle. OUCH! Recently had one who tried both arms, then went to the back of the thumb, finally got it from the back of my hand. .. You can bet that I had it put on my chart that person is NOT to take my blood again. ...

[Wolf_angel]

(((( IRISH ))) Sorry for your recent blood work snafu. But let me tell you this ok? You can tell the phlebotomist if you are terrified about needles, whatever the case may be. You can also request anyone. Yet dont ask for a doctor many did it years ago, and usually dont have the finesse to do it now yet there are a rare few. If you are having issues with them collecting your blood work, you can ask them to draw from the back of the hand although the preferred area is the antecubital fossa aka the elbow area of the arm. At any time you can refuse the work done or simply request someone else to do it. A good surgical nurse will be able to do it usually without a lot of pain and problems. If you are obese by chance this can be difficult draw. Hence the back of the hand would be your best bet. Mind you usually I have this done myself until recently with classes. Now its so easy to get it from the Antecubital Fossa area. Plus dont fold your arm in the elbow area after a blood draw, this usually causes bruising. Hope this helps as it was meant too. Have a great day!

[sistergirl]

Better yet, request a "butterfly"..... although it is frowned upon ( by insurance co.) since they cost more money than the standard needle.

[IRISH_EYES_99]

Right sistergirl, that is what we discovered. However I have very thin veins & butterfly works much better. At the time I had that episode my dr had sent me to a different location. That day they only had one phlbotomist there. Did inform my dr that I will never return to that location again. She is in full agreement with me. Anyway all is well. Hopefully I won't have to have any work done for at least another year. whew!

Wolf_Angel I do wish you the best of luck. btw the bruising is also caused by the type of pressure the person is exerting when applying the needle. I've had some that 1/2 my arm would be bruised, and with others there be absolutely no bruising. My thing is beware of the ones who say I"m the best at this.. they are usually the ones that leave the bruising.

[Wolf_angel]

WOW IRISH! Anyway the butterfly is used on the back of the hands. The reason that most phlebotomists dont want to do this is due to the location. The veins in the back of your hands aka Dorsal Metacarpals are smaller and not well anchored. Meaning they tend to roll the easiest, and thus you get bruising more often than not. Yes the pressure applied by the phlebotomist does matter. Yet as well as bending the arm after getting it done in the Antecubital Fossa area aka elbow. Not sure about the cost of the butterflies but they were used once exclusively for one area. Hope this helps. Have a great day!