Firefly Syncrowatch: Ep. 9 - Ariel

[Watchtower]

Jul 10, 2012 20:58:46 GMT -5 Mistermoonlight said:

I hate to say it, but hold an amygdala in your hand and you will know so much more. Comparative Anatomy was one of the best classes I ever took, and I, who was so proud that I wouldn't accept any less than a high A in any class (we were all so damn competitive, but that was actually great), was glad to get a B in that one.

I got lucky. Everything came together. My marriage had broken up about 6 months before. I'd lost my job at the radio station I was working for (yeah, really lucky, huh?), and I had just gotten a few thousand dollars from some land my family decided to sell. I took a leap of faith and said I'll try this and see if I can make it work. So I went back to school. It was the best decision I ever made. I found grants and scholarships that more than paid for my books and classes. And before it was all over, I even got a job with the university.

We have no idea what it possible until we try. Even if you fail, better to fail spectacularly than not to try.

That's what I always say... my mom was literally gonna have me drop out of school saying we couldn't afford it... last thing I said to her was, I would much rather try and fail than to not try at all. Let's just say mom and I got into a big argument, then I went straight to the vice president of the college (she's the vice president now, but was my academic advisor. She even said are you sure, then I said: I'd rather try and fail than to not try at all. Six classes, twelve hours of work-study all taking one whole day from 9am to 5pm with no breaks every single day, and always doing the shopping and cleaning for inspections, because my roommates were lazy and not helpful at all, especially those two weeks I was very sick to the point where I should have gone to the hospital then only had one week to do everything before midterms... I'm rambling, aren't I?

Well, I got my associate's and I am proud of it!

So yes, I know that all too well. That, was one of the best decisions I ever made. Except, the president got fired right after and I think what she ended up doing for me was the final straw... she cared for the students, but the rest of the staff that's left only care about the money. But she had said, she had no regrets and would do what she did for me a million more times.

There were a few classes I would have liked to take but wasn't able to... but, all I can say now is, where do I go from here?

[Mistermoonlight]

I found out all about university politics during my time there, so I know exactly what you're talking about.

The thing to do is go back to school while your credits will still transfer and change that Associates Degree to a Bachelor's Degree, then if you still feel inspired go for a Master's Degree and beyond. Unfortunately each year higher education is left holding the ball in state funding, and costs go up. So sooner, is better than later.

I want you to check out a program called Vocational Rehabilitation. It is a joint federal-state program and will pay the entire cost of your tuition and books. Depending on the extent of your disability you may get living costs as well.

There are many times this forum might have foundered had it not been for you. I've seen you in action. You are one of the strongest people I know, and I'm proud to call you my friend.

[Watchtower]

Thank you..

And, that might be more difficult than it seems. For one, I've been doing Vocational Rehabilitation for awhile now, they aren't worth crap anymore. As for the other things, I was thinking about PMing you because I do not want it on a public forum, and I need some advice about it anyways.

[Mistermoonlight]

Jul 11, 2012 21:06:51 GMT -5 Watchtower said:

Thank you..

And, that might be more difficult than it seems. For one, I've been doing Vocational Rehabilitation for awhile now, they aren't worth crap anymore. As for the other things, I was thinking about PMing you because I do not want it on a public forum, I need some advice about it anyways.

I'm sorry to hear that, although I'm not surprised. They were beginning to have funding problems as far back as the mid-90s. I'm sad to hear things have gotten worse. It was an amazing program that helped so many people I know get a college degree, and our local Vocational Rehab guy was a true hero. One of the good guys.

As always, PM me any time about anything.