Hey, I just now checked this thread, and I'm SO glad I did! Guess what? You have already done one of the hardest things, and that is deciding on a major that you are passionate about which could also support you in the long term.

I could tell you many success stories, but I have a feeling that won't help (given the way you describe your T's approach). But, I know you CAN do this successfully. Haven't yet checked your profile, but did you know that your WRITING and CRITICAL THINKING skills are already way high above those of the typical (non-mental health challenged) college freshman? I wouldn't kid you; I have been mentally "ill" since I was 7 years old, and I earned my PhD in 1998; my story may not matter to you, but this should matter: I teach at a major university and have also taught in community juco, so I can tell from your writing that you will be extremely successful.

Guess what else? I have a degree in music as well as English and I incorporate music in the writing classes. In fact, I teach one online freshman comp class and two literature classes through correspondence/independent study. I would be happy for you to enroll in any of those.

Finding a T you can really open up with will be important. I had one almost continuously since beginning college (I lost family financial support after getting married and having a baby--'nother story). I wouldn't have made it without my T's. My T in 1998 came to my graduation--so yes, T support is crucial. I would guess that you could manage 12 hours (that's full-time and makes you eligible for more financial aid) if you started with 6 hours on campus and 6 hours by correspondence or online. 12 hours makes you eligible for living expenses to be partially covered by financial aid, so I encourage this. If you drop a class while on FA, they give you a probationary period; they don't immediately take away the money.

If you've never had any college, you're going to be pleasantly shocked by how much farther along you are than your freshman peers. That would be empowering for you, don't you think?

Feel free to friend me and PM me about college issues (or about anything). I'm a good listener/reader and I have tons of advice. I was raising a child at the same time as school. If you have a passion for music, you can do anything!!!! I realize you said "business" degree, but it must be the music part that is motivating you--is that right? I love every kind of music except contemporary country (classic country, i.e. Johnny Cash, is sublime) and Sublime is awesome, too!

When I finished college, I still had MDD with psychotic features; severe GAD; PMDD; diabetes...the list goes on, but once I landed a job in my chosen field I started healing; am still healing, and still being emotionally supported by T. But I am living the dream.
shipping Bel