Subject: Withdrawing from Classes Due to Family Issues – What Happens to My Grants?
I’m currently in my second semester at a private university and need some advice. I attended classes for the first three weeks of the semester, but I had to stop going because I’ve been helping my disabled mom, who’s been going through a tough time, and I’ve been struggling with severe depression that I didn’t even fully recognize until recently. I didn’t tell my mom I stopped attending classes because it wasn’t about partying or slacking off; I essentially felt paralyzed and just stayed in my dorm.
Over Spring Break, I finally opened up to my mom about everything, and it’s been a relief, but now I’m panicking about the financial aid situation. I receive a significant amount of financial aid, including Pell Grants, Cal Grants, and other scholarships. My concern is that if I withdraw due to my family circumstances and mental health struggles, I might have to pay back all the aid for the time I only attended those first three weeks.
We don’t have money; my mom is on disability, and the idea of her having to file for bankruptcy over this is terrifying. Classes start on Monday, and I’m at a crossroads. Should I go back and try my best, even if it seems like I’ll fail? I’m more worried about the impact on my financial aid than my actual grades right now.
Although I realize I have been battling depression for a while, I haven’t seen a therapist yet, so I don’t have any documentation to support my situation. I plan to find someone to talk to, but I’m not sure how to approach the situation when school starts up again. Any advice on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’re facing a really tough situation, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Reach out to your university’s financial aid office as soon as possible. Explain your situation honestly and ask about the implications of withdrawing from your classes. They can provide clarity on whether you would need to pay back any grant money if you decide to withdraw.
Discuss Your Situation with an Advisor: Schedule a meeting with an academic advisor or counselor at your university. They can help you navigate your options and may suggest a medical or compassionate withdrawal, which takes your personal circumstances into account.
Document Everything: While you mentioned not having records of being depressed, it can still be helpful to document your experiences and struggles. This can serve as context when discussing your situation with university staff, and it can also be valuable if you seek professional help.
Consider Withdrawal Options: If you’re seriously considering withdrawing, ask about the specific withdrawal process and how it would affect your finances. In some cases, there are policies in place for students going through significant hardships that can alleviate the financial burden.
Look into Mental Health Resources: Since you’ve recognized that you may be dealing with depression, it’s important to seek support. Most universities have mental health services, and even if you haven’t seen a therapist yet, reaching out for help is a crucial step.
Don’t Rush Your Decision: Since classes start on Monday, don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision. Take some time to gather information and prioritize your mental health.
Community College Option: If it turns out that withdrawing is the best choice for you, remember that community college is a feasible option later. It could also give you time to focus on your well-being without the added pressure of university classes.
Your mental health and well-being should be the priority right now. Reach out for the help you need, and don’t hesitate to lean on friends and family during this difficult time. You’re not alone in this, and there are resources out there to support you.