How I did it: I dropped out of college at 18 after being put on academic probation. I was an Anthropology/Asian studies major.  I immediately applied to go to a local state college, but I got denied because of my low GPA. I moved out of my parents house, and enrolled in night classes for the following semester.

I wasn't focused on these two classes I was taking, and did poorly, so I dropped the classes and didn't go back.

A year later, I started thinking about going back to school again. I knew I had to get some credits before I could enroll, so I figured a private student loan would  be the best way for me to go. I found a language school in Japan that I wanted to attend for 1 year, and it was relatively cheap. Plus, it would have given me at least 2+ years of Japanese credit for my home institution, which would have been more than enough to get readmitted. After I got accepted into the program, I discussed the opportunity with my parents. My parents refused to co-sign the loan with me, and I was back at square 1.

I started looking at a community college and decided to enroll as a pre-nursing student. When it came time again to get a loan, my parents refused to co-sign and I was left up river without a paddle.

At this time, I was now 5 months pregnant and had no career opportunities. I felt really depressed most of the time because I had no education, and it seemed like everything was working against me- but I did not give up.

My son was born in January, and in March I enrolled in an online university- the University of Phoenix in a business program. The credits transferred to my home institution and it was all paid for by financial aid! I did not have to worry about getting my parents assistance anymore.

My classes went well, and then I started the process of reapplying for admission at my home institution for a B.A. in Biology and Anthropology. (Would you believe me if I told you that I started in August, and they still haven't given me a decision?)

Since I was eager to make up for lost time before I enrolled back at my home institution, I enrolled at a  local community college to get some of my basic classes out of the way.

I have now decided to stay at this college until I get my associates degree, so officially, after 2.5 years, I am back in college and I am working towards my A.A. in Biology Education.

I might have gone from chemistry, to asian studies, to anthropology, to nursing, to business, and then to biology... but sometimes you have to walk the walk to figure out what life really has in store for you!

Lessons & tips:

• Try, try and try again
• Don't give up- an education is a terrible thing to waste
• The road is long, the path is steep, but there is ALWAYS a light waiting for you

Resources: Google, a good friend, and several college websites and catalogs.

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Jan 25, 2010, 07:54PM PST | 3 comments | 3 cheers