Seeking Guidance to Restart My Education
Hi everyone,
I’m a 22-year-old woman looking to further my education, but I feel completely lost and overwhelmed with my options.
To give you some background, my first college experience after high school was cut short due to a traumatic incident in the dorms that left me with severe PTSD. This led to a dramatic decline in my academic performance, going from straight A’s to being unable to attend any of my classes at all.
Despite multiple meetings with my instructors and academic advisors, the process of filling out forms to document my situation was incredibly triggering for me. Even the campus mental health resources I reached out to couldn’t help me complete them, and unfortunately, I ended up hospitalized.
After a month of struggling, I went back to my advisor for alternatives. She informed me that because I was unable to complete the necessary forms, I should “just forget about it.” I was told that I would need to pay to retake all my classes the following semester to rectify my grades or risk being unable to continue my education altogether. Feeling overwhelmed and scared, I took her advice.
As a result, I found myself unable to attend classes due to my medical condition, accruing failing grades, and ending up with $6,000 in debt for courses I couldn’t take. I was also unable to withdraw due to my circumstances.
Now that I’m in a better place and ready to tackle my education again, I’m faced with barriers. The debt is preventing me from obtaining my transcripts, my failing grades make me ineligible for financial aid, and it’s been two years since this all happened, making it hard to navigate appeals or find someone who understands the system.
I’m finally able to advocate for myself, and I’m wondering if anyone has advice on appealing my situation or potentially obtaining accommodations at this point. Thank you for your support!
I’m really sorry to hear about what you’ve been through; it sounds incredibly challenging. It’s great to see that you’re ready to restart your education and advocate for yourself. Here are a few steps you might consider:
Contact the Office of Student Affairs or a Similar Department: Most universities have an office dedicated to handling student concerns, accommodations, and appeals. They may have more flexibility when it comes to discussing your situation and could help you navigate the process.
Request a Meeting with the Financial Aid Office: Explain your situation and the circumstances that led to your debt and failing grades. They may have options for students who faced unusual circumstances, and they can guide you on how to regain financial aid eligibility.
Look for a Disability Resource Center: Since you’ve developed PTSD, many colleges have programs that support students dealing with mental health issues. They may be able to provide accommodations or support in your appeal processes.
Submit a Formal Appeal: If there’s a formal appeal process for grades or financial aid, it might be worth looking into. Gather any documentation you have regarding your medical situation, as this might support your case.
Consider Counseling Services: You mentioned that you had difficulty accessing support before, but if you’re in a position to do so now, talking to a counselor might help you solidify your steps forward and explore your feelings about education and past experiences.
Explore Community College or Alternative Options: Some community colleges have more lenient admissions policies and can be a great place to start fresh. Additionally, they often have financial aid resources available as well.
Research Online Learning Options: There are many online programs that may not have the same financial aid requirements and could offer you a flexible pathway to continue your education.
Connect with Support Groups: There may be local or online support groups for individuals with PTSD or other mental health challenges. They can offer not just emotional support, but also practical advice from those who have faced similar challenges.
Remember, it’s important to advocate for what you need and to seek out resources that can support you through this journey. You are not alone and taking these steps is already a sign of your strength and resilience. Good luck, and I hope you find a path that works for you!