[HereIamBp]

I''ve taken a single internet course as a test to see if I would be able to complete an A.S. degree. Has anyone have any success studying for a degree? Some days my focus is sharp and I'm able to study other days I can't concentrate or focus on the material. I realize these are signs of the bipolar brain. Is this degree dream fruitless ?

[gravyyy]

Nope... it's not fruitless. It's hard... really hard, but not fruitless. I am working on my Master's degree and I get what you mean by the bipolar brain. I have lots and lots of paperwork and monotonous things to do for work as well, writing patient notes. I basically try to take advantage of the little bursts of increased focus I get from day to day. Sometimes I can concentrate and work for 2 hours, sometimes 20 minutes, sometimes 2 minutes, but I try to take advantage of the time my brain will give me. Don't try to overwhelm yourself. Maybe it'll take you a little longer to complete the degree but you can do it. If you need to take a break, that's acceptable too. Be gentle to yourself and like I said, take advantage of the "better concentration times." Good luck. Bravo for being brave and taking the chance to get your degree. You can do it!!!!!

[Junerain]

Not fruitless at all

What would you study?

[perpetuallysad]

I did it! I think I spent a lot of time manic though. I was in a frenzy of school and taking care of baby and trying to work enough to feed the two of us. It was a crazy time for me, but one of the few times in my life that I felt accepted and didn't feel "weird" for being me.

I think you can do it too.

[yutzman]

I've been trying to take the TIA A+ course for computer tech cert. and it hasn't been too easy. Without the focus of an instructor, I more often than not nod out trying to read the onscreen lessons. Also get fidgity and distract easily without the class atmosphere......and I think, instead of being bi-polar.....it's pretty much normal.......good luck and don't give up... Y....

[Anneinside]

Yutzman, I took a TIA A+ course at a tech school. I really enjoyed it! (I took it for fun and because I volunteer fixing computers) There are many good, but huge book for learning the content. The one I read was CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Sixth Edition by Michael Meyers (Hardcover - Dec. 21, 2006) Perhaps a little out of date now but there are plenty of more recent books. I bought it when I was hypomanic and read it two times in a week -- it was 1200 pages. I hope you make it through the course okay.

[Anneinside]

Oh, they've updated it! CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Seventh Edition (Exams 220-701 & 220-702) by Michael Meyers (Hardcover - Jan. 21, 2010)

[Fire_Star]

It's not fruitless! I'm in my 4th and final year of an undergrad dual degree with double majors. There were times where I've had a lot of difficulties - either depression causing me to procrastinate too much, not go to class etc or assignments I loved so much and wanted to be perfect it would send me into an insane manic episode.

The one thing I think if I could of changed is when I started my degrees would be to use the university student services more. I know now that I could of applied for consideration on my grades or additional extensions due to being ill. But again, I wasn't seeking treatment back then either so battled through it, pretending it was normal. I haven't ever failed a course though so I think if you do have a interest to learn, you will make it out the other side.