[usehername]

I went to the school disability office this week for some support, and to see what services they offered. The counselor I spoke with was mostly helpful, telling me about medical withdrawals, etc. However, he also tried to talk me out of going for the field I'm going to school for. He told me I should aim to complete a degree as quickly and as easily as possible in whatever I can instead of going for what I want. Granted, the healthcare field is rather stressful, but I work in the field already, and already know that. My pell eligibility is running low, admittedly, but I really think I can do this. I started out working on pre-reqs for the nursing program, but after learning that there are about 40 seats with 400 applicants per year, I'm leaning toward respiratory therapy. I have worked closely with respiratory therapists in the past, and have a good idea about what their days entail.
The counselor told me I'm aiming too high! Is it really unreasonable for me to try for this? I'm almost done with my pre-reqs already...

[kaliope]

I think if you really think you can do it, then you should go for it. it is the disabilities office to find ways to help you achieve your goal not to discourage it. just be prepared for whatever happens. I had a nervous breakdown from all the stressors college brought upon me..i went into social work and it was constantly triggering and retraumatizing me. I ended up in the hospital twice. but I got my degree. had I had someone discouraging me, I would have never made it. so go for it. take care.

[wildflowerchild25]

I don't think anything is unreasonable for anyone. Seriously. So far two doctors have told me I shouldn't be able to work full time at all, and yet here I am, working full time and keeping it together (most of the time I completely lose it when I have a break from work, like right now, and over spring break). So I say go for what you want. Know that yeah, it will be stressful, but you won't know if you can do it unless you try. I think some people set the bar too low for us.

Or maybe I set the bar too high for myself, I guess I'll find out. And you will too! Do what you love!

[pawn78]

College can be very stressful and hard work. But if you think you can do it, you can do it.
Remember master yoda's words, "there is no try, only do or not do."

[Secretum]

I think you should go for it. Don't devalue yourself. My grandma watches Dancing with the Stars; apparently in the last season, there was a girl who danced with no legs. She won second place. If someone with no legs can take second in a dancing competition, then someone with bipolar can become a respiratory therapist. Good luck!

[Sometimes psychotic]

Originally Posted by usehername

I went to the school disability office this week for some support, and to see what services they offered. The counselor I spoke with was mostly helpful, telling me about medical withdrawals, etc. However, he also tried to talk me out of going for the field I'm going to school for. He told me I should aim to complete a degree as quickly and as easily as possible in whatever I can instead of going for what I want. Granted, the healthcare field is rather stressful, but I work in the field already, and already know that. My pell eligibility is running low, admittedly, but I really think I can do this. I started out working on pre-reqs for the nursing program, but after learning that there are about 40 seats with 400 applicants per year, I'm leaning toward respiratory therapy. I have worked closely with respiratory therapists in the past, and have a good idea about what their days entail.
The counselor told me I'm aiming too high! Is it really unreasonable for me to try for this? I'm almost done with my pre-reqs already...

This was before I was sick but I had a counselor discourage me from taking grad level courses as an undergrad....I got an A in all three went into that field and got a phd....they base these recommendations on the feedback people give them when people do well they never hear about it but when people fail they all actively complain. So there is a bias to discourage people, if you know you are different then don't listen to them....

[swheaton]

If it's what you want, then don't let anyone dissuade you. Just be prepared for stress. Be mindful of your limitations.

[BipolaRNurse]

If you think you can.....or if you think you can't.....you're right.