[puzzclar]

Am I crazy to put in an application for the master's of counseling program? It's been 7 months since my last hospitalization, I feel good but there is trauma around school and getting so stressed out. This time I have a journal .... Actually two. That will help to keep organized. I was kicked out twice for anxiety attacks and still have 2 college degrees. I have persevered through a lot. At least 8 hospitalizations. And I still made it with a degree. Now after DBT I feel ready. My question to you. If I have helped you please let me know. Thanks in advance.
Oh and I have 3 jobs, but only 2 that I get weekly hours, at least not yet.

[Skeezyks]

Well... I can't tell you whether or not you should apply for this program. I guess the only way you'll know is if you give it a try! Of course I don't know anything about the program you'd be attending. So I can't speak to that. But, in general, any graduate program is going to be stressful... more so I believe than is an undergrad program. Plus I presume it's going to be expensive. So that's a consideration, unless money is not a factor for you. I will say I personally can't imagine trying to hold down jobs & attend grad school at the same time. But I presume there are probably people who have done it.

It's been many years now since I was in grad school. But I'll tell you a story with regard to it. School of any sort was always a challenge for me. I could get good grades if I worked at it. But I was never one of those people who just seem to sail through with little or no effort. And when I went to grad school I was basically broke.

The first assignment my classmates & I were to be graded on was given out by a graduate assistant who essentially gave us no instructions at all. And, as a result, almost everyone in the class received a grade at or near failing. It scared me to death! I was certain I was done for almost before I'd even started! I spent the whole rest of my time in the program studying like mad out of fear I'd flunk out!

Some of our professors told us not to allow ourselves to get worked up if we didn't ace every class. But after the shock of that first experience, that advice didn't sink in with me. I just kept on studying like mad! So the good news is I graduated with a 4.0 average. The bad news is I nearly drove myself to the brink of exhaustion studying.

Anyway... that's my grad school story for what it's worth. Best wishes for great success in whatever way you decide to proceed!

[divine1966]

I got my graduate degree while working full time (actually I worked full time while getting undergrad degree also). If you work full time or two jobs etc it just might take you longer but it’s doable. Now I wonder about your other degrees. Do they prove to be useless? Why do you want this new degree? You want to be a counselor?

[Travelinglady]

Are you wondering because you have a history of mental issues, too? If so, then know that more than one counselor has such a history--and I think it can help them understand their clients better.

[ArchieAus]

You must have a great depth of resilience to have achieved that through adversity . Looks like your not asking if you should do it , but if anyone felt your advice was of benefit . i like Skee's story also , another tale of resilience . Impressive stuff and an interesting story like yours . As a student I would sit in class and not hear a word spoken , just looked out the window dreaming . People who have much more faith in my intelligence than me reckon that was because I found nothing interesting . Personally I just think I lacked discipline and had an over active imagination . After the obligatory 10 yrs of enforced education they opened the door , booted me out and said good ridence . I am impressed with people who can apply themselves in a class environment.

[puzzclar]

Thanks!!!!