Feeling Lost After Graduating High School Without a Solid Education at 35
I hope this is the right place to seek advice. I’m in a bit of a predicament and could really use some guidance on how to move forward.
When it was time for middle school, my mom chose to homeschool me instead of sending me to public school. I actually received some decent education during that time. However, when high school came around, my mom couldn’t recall much of her own education. She struggled to help me with algebra, biology, sociology, and had no interest in science, which made things challenging. I somehow managed to graduate, but after only trying a few college classes, I ended up dropping out.
Now, 17 years later, I’m really feeling the gap in my knowledge. I’ve never had a clear direction for my career because I lacked a basic understanding of fields like medicine—I can’t even identify where major organs are located, and my math experience barely included completing Algebra 1.
Recognizing that I don’t possess the knowledge of a typical high school graduate and considering the potential financial barriers to further education, I’m trying to find ways to learn what I missed out on. I’m also exploring different career paths that might interest me. What are some suggestions for getting started? Are there reliable resources for learning high school subjects that could help me perform better on placement tests? Should I just jump into an Intro to Biology class and see if I like it? I would appreciate any ideas or recommendations!
It’s completely understandable to feel lost when it comes to navigating your educational and career journey, especially when you feel you missed out on key foundational knowledge. The good news is that it’s never too late to learn and find a direction that resonates with you! Here are some steps you can take to get started:
Assess Your Interests: Think about what subjects or career fields intrigue you the most. Whether it’s medicine, technology, the arts, or something else, having a focus can help you determine what knowledge you need to acquire.
Free Online Resources: There are plenty of free online platforms, like Khan Academy, Coursera, and edX, that offer courses in a variety of subjects, including Math, Science, and more. These can help you build the foundational knowledge in a structured way.
Community Colleges: Many community colleges offer affordable courses and even have programs designed for adult learners. You can often take basic classes to strengthen your skills before moving on to more advanced topics.
Study Groups and Tutoring: Look for local study groups, or consider hiring a tutor for subjects that challenge you. Sometimes, having someone explain concepts in a different way can make a big difference.
Library Resources: Don’t underestimate your local library! They often have free resources, access to courses, and even programs for adult education that can be very helpful.
Self-Paced Learning: If jumping into an Intro to Biology course feels overwhelming, start with a more basic overview of biology concepts using videos or books tailored to beginners. Gradually work your way up to more complex topics.
Setting Goals: Create short-term and long-term goals for yourself. This could be something like completing a certain number of courses within a month or mastering a specific subject. It can provide structure and motivation as you progress.
Explore Career Options: As you learn more about various fields and subjects, research potential careers that align with your interests. Many fields offer pathways that don’t require traditional four-year degrees, such as nursing, tech certifications, or vocational training.
Networking and Mentorship: Connect with people in fields you’re interested in. They can provide insights about what it takes to succeed in those careers and offer guidance on educational pathways.
Stay Positive and Patient: Learning can be a slow process, but every step forward is progress. Celebrate small achievements along the way and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and many people have successfully retrained and changed their careers later in life. You’ve already taken an important step by reaching out for advice – keep that momentum going!