Seeking Guidance to Restart My Education After Setbacks
Hi, I’m a 22-year-old woman looking to pursue higher education, but I’m feeling overwhelmed and unsure about my options.
To give you some background: After graduating high school, I started college but experienced a traumatic event in the dorms that left me with severe PTSD. This impacted my ability to attend classes, causing my grades to plummet from A’s to failing.
Despite numerous meetings with instructors and advisors, I found it incredibly challenging to complete the necessary paperwork to address my situation. Each form I had to fill out made me relive the trauma, and even with help from campus therapists, I struggled to manage it all. Eventually, my mental health deteriorated to the point where I needed hospitalization.
After a month of trying to navigate this process, I sought my advisor’s guidance for alternatives. Unfortunately, she advised me to abandon the forms and informed me that I would have to pay to retake all my classes the following semester to improve my grades. If I didn’t act within the stipulated timeframe, I would be unable to continue my education.
Feeling trapped, I followed her advice. Due to my medical condition, I was unable to attend classes and ended up with failing grades, which resulted in $6,000 of debt. I couldn’t withdraw due to my circumstances, and this left me in a tough spot.
Now that I’m in a better place and ready to advocate for myself, I want to restart my education. However, the debt is blocking me from accessing my transcripts, and my failing grades disqualify me from financial aid. Since this all happened two years ago, I’m having difficulty appealing or finding the right contacts to discuss my situation with.
Do you have any advice on how I might appeal this or request accommodations at this point? Thank you for your help!
I’m really sorry to hear about what you’ve been through. It sounds incredibly challenging, but the fact that you’re ready to advocate for yourself is a great first step in restarting your education. Here are some suggestions that might help you navigate this situation:
Contact the Financial Aid Office: Even though your transcripts are on hold due to debt, reach out to the financial aid office at your former school. Explain your situation clearly, including your PTSD and the circumstances that affected your ability to complete your courses. They might have options for students who are in debt due to medical circumstances.
Gather Documentation: If you haven’t already, gather any documentation related to your medical condition, including hospital records or notes from therapists (with their permission). This information can help support your case when appealing or seeking accommodations.
Explore Transcript Appeals: Many colleges have a process for appealing academic decisions. This can sometimes include requests to reconsider failing grades or to have holds lifted. Check if your school offers an academic appeals process, and submit a formal request explaining your situation.
Look into Alternative Schools: If your previous institution isn’t offering a path forward, consider looking into other colleges or universities. Some schools may be more flexible or have programs specifically designed for students in difficult situations.
Utilize Support Services: Look for local or online support groups for survivors of trauma or students navigating higher education after difficulties. These communities can provide both emotional support and practical advice from people with similar experiences.
Consult Legal Aid: If your situation remains complicated, consider reaching out to a legal aid organization that focuses on education rights. They might offer free consultations and can guide you through the process of advocating for yourself.
Consider Community College: If you face hurdles at a four-year institution, enrolling in a community college might be a good plan. They often have different admission processes and may be more understanding of your circumstances.
Stay Persistent: Keep reaching out to departments at your former school and other institutions. Persistence can sometimes pay off, even when it feels frustrating.
Remember, it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed, but you’re taking positive steps forward. Keep advocating for yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. You deserve the chance to pursue your education!