ADHD mother going back to school

[Nucking_Futs]

I really had to think about admitting to the forum member's I was going back to school. I'm terrified of failure and public failure to boot I couldn't pass the muster in my first attempt right out of high school. I spent the entire year learning how to party, smoke, get pregnant, etc, etc.

And now I expect myself to be able to finally complete and achieve my dream? If I couldn't do it when it was just me how am I going to maintain my GPA while working full time, meeting the needs of my husband and children (whom also have disorders) not to mention the housework, yardwork...O' the things I can come up with to create a road block for myself.

This is increasing my anxiety about going back to nursing school. Its making me such a nervous wreck that I honestly forgot my own name not once but twice while filling out the college registration and financial aid aps. I FORGOT MY NAME!!!!!!!!

I'm luckier then some I know. After forgetting my name twice I set the papers aside and would have walked away but my husband got up, grabbed the papers shoved them in my face and yelled "SHUT UP AND DO IT!!!!" I know it sounds like an abusive trait but he was speaking to my brain not me personally. We've found that if HE tells my brain to shut up it listens. Who knows I can't explain it.

Anyways, I've had a new panic attack over a new dilemma. What supplies do I need to have? My kids need so many things for just your basic average everyday school work that it has me freaked out about what I'm going to need to succeed in college.

Not to mention I still have to sign up for my classes, take my compass test, see my physician about possibly getting started on a med.

My mantra has gone from "I think I can, I think I can" to "SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP" lol

Any older students out there, any ideas management tips you have are welcome.

[Johna]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take your time and frequent breaks when filling out the forms. Otherwise, you might go cross-eyed How many hours will you be carring when you began nursing school? Suggestion don't go more than what you need to maintain full time status.
Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nucking_Futs]

I don't have a choice my elder sister is in my classes. lol

She's one of those we can do this the hard way or we can do it the harder way, your choice. type people.

I am carrying 12 credits a semester if I counted right. Though class time is reletively short this semester. I have one class for two hours on Tuesday, one class for 1 1/2 hours on Thursday and two independant study classes via internet. Independant for most but remember I have a drill sargeant sister on my butt.

[fasttalkingmom]

Futs this is good news........ you can do it so shut up

[Nucking_Futs]

Originally Posted by fasttalkingmom

Futs this is good news........ you can do it so shut up

lmao my what a fast learner you are

[Johna]

What I didn't know add/adhd people needed a drill sergent to get things done I like waiting to the last minute to get things done..nOT!

[Pigeon]

First things first.... try to find support at the school.... they might be able to set you up with a program or a student/peer/mentor that will "kick" your butt in shape and also help you with the "ropes" of your specific university... all schools are so different

and then CONGRATS!!! and again CONGRATS!!!!! I can't say it enough, and don't give up, you've got support in lots of places just remember to find it, and don't be afraid to ask for it!

as for supplies, I suggest getting a basic notebook first, you'll usually be taking notes and recieving syllabuses your fist days of classes... the very first day be sure to introduce yourself to your teacher and ask what you'll need for the semester as far as "supplies" go... that way you'll know exactly

once again CONGRATS!! and Good luck, we're all thinking of you!

Crystal

[sgolden5374]

Don't forget to let your advisor (they can point you in the right direction for who you need to talk to) know you suffer from ADHD and other things. You qualify under law for accomodations. And, please don't worry about what others will think of you. Who cares? You need to ensure your success not worry over what people think!

GOOD LUCK!

*I am so envious -- I wanna go back to school so bad but waiting for hubby to come home from war first.

[Lipz17]

Congrats,u have made a wonderful choice!!!U can do it ,just shut up,lol.

[Wheezie]

wow!!! (((hugs))) futsy darlin'!!!

glad i came out of my fog to read some great news.

thanks for sharing this. i'm so proud of you.

[alala]

I'm doing it. I dropped out of college six times, but when my husband and I separated I realized I had to finish my education and signed up for community college. Then we reconciled and moved out of state and for the old me, that would have been the seventh time to drop out, but he made me keep at it! I did the last quarter of community college as correspondence courses, and then I took another two years at WaSU without ever setting foot on campus. Now I'm doing a database management certification course long-distance with UW. I get pretty good grades, too - A for Adrenaline, since I leave things to the last minute and then finish in a panic. Not that I am recommending this strategy for you.

You'll need a pen to take notes and paper to write them on during lectures. Other than that, the teacher will hand out a syllabus outlining everything you need.

Regarding housework and yardwork, think about what you can delegate to husband and kids, and what you can let go - vacuum every (other) week instead of every three days, that sort of thing. Housework takes a big hit when I have to study, but hey, if I do well, I can get a better job and we can get a cleaning lady. Not that we ever will, but if I tell myself that it seems to help.

Also, I never knew how much time I would have to study in a day - stuff gets in the way when you have things like families and jobs. So I made a chart to remind me: on Monday (e.g.) I'd spend the first two study-hours on Anthropology, the second two on Psychology, the third two on PoliSci. Tuesday would be Psychology, then PoliSci, then Anth. Wednesday was PoliSci, then Anth, then Psych. Etc. Not that I ever had six hours in a day to study, but this ensured that I picked up each textbook at least every three days.

And finally, I found that I was able to focus on the lecture if I took lots of notes, but if I stopped writing I would drift off.

Good luck. It's challenging, but it can be done!

[livinginchaos]

I'm so excited for you, Cherity!! You can do it!

I think it's good you're contemplating meds.
For me, if I wasn't on meds, there is no way I could handle being back in school (but, again - that's me).

Do you have a lap top? I think that's an important school supply to have, but you can get by without one!
Supplies: white out, tons of paper, lots of cartridge ink and printer paper, the fun color gel pens, highlighters, 3 ring binder (the kind with the "D" ring).

You may want to wait and see how you're doing in school before you sign up for accomodations, but remember that they are there. In undergrad - I got unlimited test taking time and in a room by myself, but there are lots of other accomodations.
For accomodations, you'll need your doc write a letter to prove your diagnosis and what you want for accomodations.

I set a schedule for myself -which is easy since I don't have a husband and kids to make time for. But, I tell myself -I don't get to do something I want to do until I study for x amount of time or get through a chapter.

Oh, Cherity - you're gonna do great!! If you need anything - let me know!

[Nucking_Futs]

If I don't reply to your post here it doesn't mean that I didn't appreciate your input and encouragement I'm just busy studying for the compass test and have come to realize I have not retained any basic algebra so I'm trying to freshen up on that as well.

I was really nervous now I'm just down right petrified. The nursing co-ordinator changed our schedules so that my sister and I could receive our LPN licenses and work at that capacity and pay while working towards our RN.

Which means instead of Basic English and Math individual study, Psych 1 and Ethics which we could have taken in the town over. We are now going to be traveling twice a week an hour for A and P I plus the lab. Meaning we will leave our homes at 3pm and get home around 1am on Mondays.

I have no fear of math once I refresh my memory, English doesn't frighten me, but A and P plus lab plus Individual Psych I? It was my goal to do A and P's I and II plus chemistry during the summer months alone so I had nothing else to focus on but my counselor said I would have to live and breathe the courses which is not good with a family. At least during the school year I have 1 interuption not 3 which made sense but OMG.

I may try and drop English though and possibly Psych I. Focus on getting my math back up to par and my A and P's for now. While I'm nervous I do like the idea of getting the more tech classes out of the way.

Yes, Johna I need a drill sargeant at times. Especially when it comes to studying when I know I have housework, etc that needs doing. Doug offered the advice to my sister and I that we leave our homes and go to the school library to study after hours or to the town library which is rarely used so we aren't looking at what we should be doing in the house, I think we're gonna take that advice.

My sister and I are taking the intense courses together simply because we have a better chance at success with two of us taking notes and hopefully when one of us doesn't understand a concept the other will.

As far as supplies go our advisor said to make sure we have our needed books, highlighter, pen and paper otherwise leave the rest until after the first day, if anything else was needed the instructor would inform us then. But, I did get an awsome bright orange camophlage back pack.

I've already spoken to one of my instructor's since the lab class was full and they were begging an extra seat for myself. He was kind of snippy at first about it and said its so hard to keep track of 10 students let alone 13 (seems they have already pushed his limits before they even tried with me). But, we got to talking and he asked how important it was to myself to get this class I told him honestly "I tell my kids they can be anything their heart desires and my son feels I'm lying because I haven't acheived my dream" he said he liked mom's because they didn't "male anatomy" around they had something to prove and something to work for and someone to work for it with. He let me in and was rather nice after that.

As far as housework and yardwork goes my kids and Doug are stepping up to the plate. Doug said that since his courses are individual study and he is only focusing on one right now that he can take on more responsibility if only I do the laundry which I agreed to. Koda and Lexi have been doing great lately about picking up after themselves and dust well its going to reside here for a couple of years we are just going to have to resign ourselves to the facts or OK I will have to learn to adjust.

Right now I am just worried about starting meds, I'll wait to see if I actually need any accomodations before I ask for them. Sometimes the less people know the better if ya get my drift.

I'm excited one second and terrified the next its a strange ride but one I'm sure I'll adjust to as my very dear friend Imnapl reminded me. I first have to get my feet wet to be able to adjust to the tempeture of the water. It honestly doesn't matter how long it takes me to get there or how I get there just that I get there.

Hugs to all

[minn306]

Now Cherity, do not get your name on the board for talking to much in class

Or have to stay after in detention for being mean to the other "kids"

And NO your dog(or mine) did NOT eat your homework!!!!


I am so thrilled for you. You have my best wishes being sent full force at you

((HUGS))

[Gourmet]

Way to go futs!
I am so proud of you. What a loving and supportive family you have.
Also, I'd like to add a note of thanks, girl, for all of the support you have shown me and the rest of the forum.
What a wise and caring "cookie" you are! I have all the confidence in the world for you.

Great wishes for you!
~gourmet~