and I really want to go back to school. Working retail and cleaning houses won't get me where I want to be. Well, it might but a college education would probably do more in that arena.
There are a couple of problems, though. I suck at Math. I mean I really do. Years ago, when my kids were young, I went to college for about two years. A good portion of that time was taken up by what I refer to as the "Developmental Math Disaster". I took that class five times and flunked it five times. I finally gave up and went back to being a full time homemaker and mom.
The other problem is that I don't know what I want to do! I really don't. And that's a major problem.
Now, here I am, on my own, with the kids grown. And I finally have time to go back to school. But now I'm terrified. I'll have to take that blasted DM again. Add to that the new required entrance tests and it makes me one nervous nellie.. no, terrified tammy!
Have any of you been through this? If so, what did you do that helped? There must be a solution but I haven't the foggiest what it is.
I'm not getting any younger..
October 11th, 2007 at 11:41 pm
October 12th, 2007 at 12:38 am 1192149532
October 12th, 2007 at 12:56 am 1192150607
October 12th, 2007 at 01:04 am 1192151087
Luna, I have dyscalculia which makes math a real burden. Most people with it who attempt college don't make it. A few do but it's not common. I've suspected I have it for several years but recent testing makes it pretty clear that dyscalculia is a culprit. I also have some pretty serious learning gaps in my math education and am in the process of working my way through junior high and high school math books. I hope that firming the foundation will help. Thank you both for your suggestions!
October 12th, 2007 at 04:13 am 1192162415
Hope you find out what you want to do!
October 12th, 2007 at 04:20 am 1192162802
It's a nightmare at times. I can't tell you how many times I've cried over a 'simple' algebra problem. It's not 'simple' to me and it's very frustrating that I must have algebra to get through college!
The space-time thing is often an issue as is sequence. Sequence is a real chore for me at times and in math, that's very important. Ugh!
Good luck to you and Ale!
October 12th, 2007 at 05:07 pm 1192208853
October 12th, 2007 at 07:13 pm 1192216437
You can avoid math and fields that require good math skills if you know you're not good at it. Technical might be the way to go. I would investigate your town's continuing ed offerings, the ones that anyone can take. Maybe take several classes that interest you and see if you still have a strong interest after taking an 8 week or so class. Then take it from there. Or browse the library for help on pursuing a career, like what color is my parachute? was a popular one years back.
Think about your current interests, hobbies. There have been people here, past and present, who pursued various hobbies and turned them into careers. There was one gal who did some great baking and started selling her stuff locally. Kashi does really well with photography and was looking for ways to pursue that.
Brainstorm with us here about your interests, maybe we can help.
October 15th, 2007 at 05:57 am 1192427825
Fern, thanks for your input. I think technical is going to be the way for me to go but am going to look into the continuing ed offerings, too. I'll post a brainstorm enty in a day or two. Great suggestion.
October 15th, 2007 at 05:58 am 1192427927
December 16th, 2007 at 10:32 pm 1197844374
I barely passed Algebra this term. In order to get through, I have had to take so many copious notes and verbally try to explain, step by step, how I came to each part of the equation. By doing it that way, at least a teacher who is understanding can catch where I am going wrong, but I didn't have that kind of teacher, so I resorted to tools such as the Algebra Equation solver to help.
Don't let that one area of difficulty stop you from going back. Or consider a tech school pursing something that doesn't require math.