Too scared to move forward

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2005
Too scared to move forward
5
Thu, 03-29-2007 - 1:20pm
So I finally decided to follow through on my decision to pursue my degrees in clinical psychology. I felt extremely positive about my decision and felt that I could do this. Today I got an email from my chosen university. I looked over the undergraduate requirements, and now I'm scared. I didn't have the best grades in high school (in fact they sucked.), I took most all the classes the university would like to see but algebra 2 and trig ( i'm horrible at math, my senior year i took remedial math just to graduate). So I'm terrified that these people are going to look at my transcripts from high school and my previous college experience and just laugh. Then I see that I have to take either the SAT or ACT..oh great. Now I'm REALLY scared; this is causing a lot of anxiety for me. I'm horrible at math, and I've been out of school for so long I don't remember many things that will be on this test. I'm looking to take the test in October in my hometown and at my alma mater. I know this should be plenty of time to study and ensure the high score I'm certain I'm going to need for even a hope for admission.
I'm really feeling like I should just forget about going back to school. I failed out of college the first time, and I always failed something in high school. I don't want to waste money. And I don't want my husband to see just how pathetic I am at anything academic. More importantly, I don't want him to be disappointed in me. I talked with my mom about me going back to school and she sounded like she didn't believe I would do it, much less succeed. What do I do? Does anyone have an idea? I love coming to this board, you ladies always give me great support. And I hope I don't seem like I'm whining.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2006
Thu, 03-29-2007 - 6:09pm

Ashley,

First of all, you'll be pleased to know that I'm going to be remembering all of my chat commands in chat tonight *giggles*, and I didn't even write them down *shifty eyes*.

Second of all, it doesn't matter if your mom thinks that you're not going to finish it, or if she thinks that you're not going to do well. It doesn't matter what people think, and it doesn't matter that in highschool you weren't a wonderful student... we're here, now, in the present, and this is something that you dream of doing, a career where you can make a difference to people like you and me, and that's bloody important.

It's hard to do, but try to forget about all of that other "stuff".... it's in the past, it doesn't matter, and if it does matter, than you are a competent lady who can do what needs to be done to get where you want to be. And us, we're here to support you for the "blips" that are sure to happen along the way.

El




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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2005
Thu, 03-29-2007 - 7:12pm
yay i'm glad you're finally gonna remember those commands!!
thanks for the encouragement, i love you El!! lol.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 03-29-2007 - 7:19pm
I have the kinds of self doubt you are experiencing everyday of my life, it seems. It is part of being a sufferer of anxiety. If it is any comfort to you, I overcame those types of fears and did get my college degree (I suck at math, too, but with tutoring and lots of study, I did get the grades I needed). Any type of new learning experience I tend to approach with anxiety, but nearly all the time, the worst thing that happens is that I learn that there are some subjects I do not understand--and the best is that I learn a new skill or comprehend a new idea. Also, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Try not to do too much at once--maybe just one class at first. Then add more as you feel more comfortable. And as for your relatives, DH, etc---if they are not supportive, it could be any number of reasons, none of them having to do with them seeing that you are not able. And if they do think that, you can prove them wrong or prove to them you don't care what they think. The best to you! peace,lyn
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 03-29-2007 - 10:52pm

I didn't have much support from my family when I went to college. I was the first to GO to college. I think my parents thought I should just get married. That was a challenge & a very real motivator for me.


I have to agree with Lyn, that you can do anything you set your mind to, Ashley. You can overcome any obstacle. You HAVE to want it so bad you can taste it!


I have looked all over for a board on women returning to school, but can't find one. Anyone know of a board? Anyhoo, here's the link to moms in school: http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-psmomsschool

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sat, 03-31-2007 - 10:24pm

Talk to an advisor at the school, before you get all worked up!

Sheri Ann