Hi everyone,

For those of you who don't know, I am 19 years old and need 2 more credits to graduate from high school. I have not graduated yet due to 9 psychiatric hospitalizations and ECT treatments.

So today I went to my local college, which offers a program that helps older students finish their high school. I signed up for 2 courses this semester, which would make me graduate. If, at the end of the semester, I still feel like I want to attend university (which I have been debating), then I will need to take 2 more university level courses the next semester.

The past 2 semesters I tried to complete high school credits, I had to withdraw due to my psych hospitalizations...which is why I only signed up for 2 credits this semester. Plus, it's 1-on-1 learning...and I get to go at my own pace! This is a nice change compared to the rush-rush atmosphere of highschool, and the overwhelming number of students.

Please keep me in your thoughts as I begin this school semester. I really want to succeed this time, and would like to avoid a 3rd failure if possible. Thank you so much for reading!

Hello, Melissa. You can do this. You are in my thoughts.

Thank you for your support, Byz.

Today went very well, actually. Independent Learning Courses are much different than normal high school courses. There were hardly any kids in my two classes (less than 5 in each), and no due dates. We work at our own pace...we can come in when we want and leave when we want. What happened was I received the 1st of 4 booklets in each class, with the first 5 lessons. When I'm finished with the 1st booklet, I get the 2nd, and so on.

They even have a lunch room with two refrigerators with food & drinks that the students can help themselves to. We don't even have to come to school every day, if I wanted to I could just come in once a week! But I will be trying my hardest to go every day.

This independent setting with the "go at your own pace" attitude is awesome for me. It's actually making me work harder, because there's no pressure to paralyze me. The only thing I don't like about this is having to leave my house for hours at a time, and coming home to see that my puppy chewed up various objects. But, my education is more important than possessions!

Good for you. Melissa.

[greylove]

Oh wow, Melissa!! You're off to a wonderful start! These Independent Learning Courses and you sound like a match made in heaven! I read your blog a couple of nights ago. It was very well written. But more important than that, you connected with and documented your history. It was very informative and reminds yourself and others just how far you've come. I'm soooooooo glad the tide has turned for you now. I see will and determination and an environment custom made for your learning. Good luck to you melissa........you're going to do it!! All my best wishes......hugs and grey

[(JD)]

Good for you! Keep working towards your goal. Once it's done, trust me, no one is going to ask WHEN did you finish? Just let them all assume... and there are plenty of older students in college.

[Fresia]

Good for you!!!! You really can do it! Focus on one moment or day at a time, and you'll have them done in no time. Best wishes!