I think there is always a time in every college students life where they would just like to take a semester, or maybe a whole year, off. Whether it be to travel and expand your knowledge, or to "find yourself" taking a semester off sounds like a great idea-that is, if you're doing it by choice.
Some people take time off because they don't feel like going to school. Those are usually the people who never really go back, because they don't have any desire to. And then there is the small percentage of people like me, who are being forced to take this upcoming semester off due to financial reasons (for all the details, check out my "Everybody CAN'T Afford College" post). I love going to school, I love learning things because there is so much out there that I don't know and it fascinates me. Unfortunatly I'm paying for school completely on my own(no financial aid, scholarships, or family help). The last couple of months have been pretty hectic, and I simply can't afford to go to school. I really couldn't afford it last semester, but I took two classes anyways. One was an anthropology class and the other was an online math class. I couldn't afford the book for anthropology until the 11th week of class, and I never really had time to study. We havn't gotten our grade yet, but I'm pretty sure mine will be in the lower 60% era. It's not that I didn't try, I just simply lacked the resources and time required to really concentrate on that class. As for the online one, I was dropped after 8 weeks because i was behind in hours (due to the fact that I'm always at work). So this semester, rather than doing the same thing, and having horrible grades, I'm just going to get a third job and save up so that next semester I will be able to work less and focus more on school.
I hate to do this. Now I won't graduate for an extra semester, and on top of that, I'm afraid I might never really feel the need to go back. That thought seems rediculous to me, but it happens to so many people I don't know if I'll end up doing the same thing. I'd like to hear from some people who have done this, so maybe I can get some advice on how to not get in the mindset that not going back is a good idea.
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Just keep your eye on the prize, I actually wake up every single day to tell myself that this day of substituting teaching is so that I can experience the education that most of the kids in this class will enjoy for nearly free...
I am also taking community college classes, do not underestimate your local community college. I am taking class in the evenings a good number of schools have classes that start as late as 8:30pm. Not to mention, if you go to school in the same state that you live in, then your community college is almost gauranteed to have more than a few classes that will transfer.
Also, Fastweb.com, apply for every scholarship you can, even if you don't think you will get it, the only people who have no chance of getting scholarships are the ones who do not apply.
Lastly taking time off can help you, after you turn 24, you will be able to fill out the FAFSA based on your own financial status, parent's info does not have to be used after that. Which means you will be eligible for more money also, you will no longer need co-signers on any student loans (assuming you have good credit)
Everyone CAN afford college, but not all of us can afford the traditional 4 years scheme.
I am going to a community college. I got into my first choice university, but due to the fact that I don't get any sort of aid from anybody I couldn't go. The class I was tkaing last semester was a night class, but every night that I wasn't in class I was working. So I never had time to study or read the book(when I eventually got it). I have been a subscriber to fastweb for 3 years, and still have not found one scholarship that I am eligible for, even though I have more volunteer work on my record than the rest of my high school probably did combined.
So I think I'm going to take time off until I'm 24, or just lie on the FAFSA. If they catch you doing that, I guess it's a felony or something. So I'll go to jail where I won't have to pay for rent, food, or health insurance, and when I'm released I will be eligible for multiple opportunities to go to school for free, to 'change my life'.
It's sad that now, as a hard working, law abiding citizen who has never so much as gotten a driving ticket I cannot go to school, but if I had gone to juvenile hall as a minor, or if I killed somebody, I would have a free ride to a masters degree.
All great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-Albert Einstein
In my humble opinion; even if it means taking one class a semester stick with it. My only exceptions would be winter and summer semesters .