Looks like I won't be going back to school next semester-ask me anything.

[Longgrain]

I dropped out of college eight years ago, but I've had a yen to go back ever since. I reapplied for college last fall, but financial difficulties kept me from going, now it looks like I'm going to have to defer enrollment another semester.

I'm not depressed, just a little bummed out. It looks like my financial situation is improving so maybe next time I'll have more luck.

I'm determined to go back to college finally get my degree in something, but until then...Sigh...

So ask me anything...

[Cobalt Violet]

1. Are you going to go back to art school?

Or will you get a degree in something else?

[Longgrain]

2. No. I was thinking of going into film.

But recently I thought of changing my major to Photography, since it's mostly what I've been doing lately.

[outraged2]

3. Is there a community college nearby?

I know its not the same as university, but you can knock out some classes for not so much money.


And if you are lucky they might have some independent study photo classes... no class and access to the campus dark room :)

[Longgrain]

5. I actually already have an associates degree in art...

from a nearby community college. I don't know if they have any continuing education programs in photography though.

The college I applied to was a small State College nearby...perhaps they might have a summer program or two I could look into.

Thanks for the encouragement outraged :hi:

[Droopy]

4. Have you tried to qualify for a Stafford loan?

When I went back to school, I didn't have enough money to pay for tuition outright. I also didn't qualify for any scholarships or grants. They told me to apply for financial aid through government insured loans (Stafford loans). Turned out that they loaned me all the money I needed to pay tuition.

[Longgrain]

6. I had a Stafford loan before...

I had to work for six years to pay it off...:-(

I have some unemployment issues in my family right now, so I sort of have to work full time for the time being.

Though I doubt getting financial aid would be a big problem for me. :) I've had nothing but good grades and a somewhat impressive volume of work in my portfolio.

[Droopy]

9. Yeah, I'm going to be paying for a long time, too

But it was the only way I knew to get back into college. At the time I looked at it this way: I'll be making a lot of money after I graduate so it is well worth going into debt now as I will be able to pay it off with ease. I had planned on making 70k a year after I graduated. But it all didn't pan out. I got into my third quarter and had the realization that I just wasn't college material. So I went back to driving trucks for a living. I'm about $7500 in the hole from that little excursion, but it's cool. I have ten years to pay it back, which isn't bad. About $72 a month if I don't pay it off early.

[Longgrain]

25. I know how you feel...

I still have a $6000 credit card debit to pay off...but it's getting less and less every month...

I work in a supermarket...four years in college, and that all I can do? I know i can do better, but I haven't given up yet!

thanks for sharing Droopy. :hi:

[PaybackTime]

12. You don't necessarily need college to pursue your dream...

I have an M.A. in film and it didn't do much for me, but I know kids out of high school who had great training and landed good jobs in film and tv.

I financed my undergrad degree with scholarships and a rehab program (I was depressed and on meds).

I was able to go to grad school on tuition remission because I worked at the university the requisite amount of time.

I like the icon on your postings, Long Grain, is it your own work?

(I like yours, too, Cobal Blue).

Good luck!

[Droopy]

13. Welcome to DU, PaybackTime

Happy posting! :toast:

[Longgrain]

14. Thank You PaybackTime!

And another warm welcome to DU. :hi:

To answer your question, yes it is one of my own paintings...

Here's the detail the avatar is taken from...



I don't have a really good shot of the entire picture, this is taken from an old newspaper scan...



It's entitled "If This Were August; This Would Be Perfect." :)

[supernova]

7. Sorry to hear that, Longgrain

but don't give up. You deserver to do that for yourself.

[Longgrain]

8. Thanks so much for the pat on the back

it does mean a lot to me...

and don't worry, I'm not planning on giving up anytime soon.

I just have to what I have to do and keep looking ahead...:-)

[barb162]

10. how do you feel about night classes

that's how I did one degree, pain in the butt, but that was the only way I could do it.

[Longgrain]

11. Unfortunately the major I intended on

was only offered during the day...I originally applied for night classes, but it was a small school and most of the night courses were Liberal Arts...I plan on focusing in on Communications Media...

[caledesi]

15. Start by taking 2 courses this semester. It will raise your spirits

and you will feel like you are on your way. (been there; done that)

Worked for me!

[Longgrain]

16. Thanks I will look into it

I have to work full-time for now, so the spring semester is out of question...but maybe one or two summer courses could be feasible. :hi:

[bigwillq]

17. Fave school mascot?

I hope the school thing works out for you.
Please try to go back, when the financial situation allows you too.
It doesn't matter how old/young you are when you finish, as long as you go and finish.

[Longgrain]

18. Thank you so much for the encouraging words...

:)

As for my favorite mascot, being a Massachusetts resident, and a Boston terrier owner, I'd say Rhett, the BU Boston Terrier...

[bigwillq]

19. Are you a Red Sox fan? (nt)

[Longgrain]

20. I'm not huge into sports but...

of course I root for the home team.

The first time I hugged my father in years was about three months ago when the Sox won the pennant! :toast:

Believe!
:thumbsup:

[bigwillq]

23. EWWW...A Red Sox fan....

Well, it was nice knowing you!:evilgrin:

[Longgrain]

24. PHPTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks like I's been lured and fell for the bait.

Yankee fan I presume?

:P

[n2mark]

21. Would your company work around your schooling?

Sometimes companies will work a schedule around someone attending classes.

[Longgrain]

22. I think so...

I have 15 years tenure at the company I work for, plus good relations with my supervisors and managers...

I'm sure, when the time comes, something could be worked out...