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[255301]

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so i'm 29
and i mentally kick myself in the arse at least 5 times a day, because if i had done what i SHOULD have done right after high school, i'd be in my 3rd year of med school right now...

however, i went to a local university, got distracted, went through a bout of depression, yada yada yada...now i'm right back where i was in 1998, wanting to be a surgeon.

my problem is: i know i'm horrible w/math, however, i enjoy science...what i'm afraid of is that when it comes to certain chem/bio courses, i will fail miserably!
i also have a father who means well, yet constantly tells me i'm "too old" and that i should "just be a nurse". i myself am a cna, have been for 10 or so years (though haven't been working as one all that time), so i don't see it as "just" nursing. and i'm not completely opposed to the idea. i just want to do trauma sooo super badly...i want to perform surgeries that last 6 hours! it's like my calling, i suppose.

what i'm trying to figure out is if he's right, or if i should just go for it? i consider myself to be a non-trad student, as i'll be 30 this year and i've been out of college for about 7 years. i'd just like some feedback from ohters who have been/are in a simliar situation.

thank you in advance!!!

😀

 

[agirl]

deleted.

 

[easyrock]

You sound like my old (no pun intended) roommate. He was 32 and went from being a cop to starting law school. He too went through the shoulda, coulda, woulda phase for quite some time. After many months of dreaming and whining, he went ahead and took the necessary steps to be what he wanted to be.

I think it's easy and comfortable for many to keep the status quo. But if that isn't good enough for you, why not do something about it? I can't comment further because I don't know you or anything about your personal situation. However, my advice to you is to figure out exactly what you need to do. Be realistic about it and lay it all out in front of you so you understand what each step along the way entails. Chances are it will be a long and hard journey, which calls for someone who is driven and motivated. If you honestly think you can be that person, then take the first step and be on your way. If you would like some kind words of encouragement, you already have plenty of clinical hours as a CNA. That will go a long way as far as patient experience is concerned.

I know that attempting to enter medicine is overwhelming. It's a long and unforgiving process. That being said, I can't stress enough that you won't get anywhere without making a move. Do something about it TODAY, not tomorrow or next week. Don't wait and see. Summer session enrollments should be starting soon for college. Find a local university and start taking those pre reqs.

I'm a few years removed from college myself. I needed a break after living so intensely after moving back from overseas and getting by on my own. Now I'm retaking a few courses and waiting to hear back from a few SMP programs around the country so I can apply next year. Don't lose hope. Just find out what you need to do and either follow through with it or work hard towards something else. If you do heed your father's advice, there's a good life to found as a nurse anesth. I don't approve of reasoning that hinges on age though. And just to put things in perspective, my buddy who's in law school will be graduating this year with a job waiting for him.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

[255301]

thanks to both of you!
i'm going to go to the university tomorrow...i'm tired of waiting. and this is my calling, i know it! and at this age, i am more determined that i was 11 years ago. sometimes we all need a bit of encouragement🙂 i think i've found the right place...

take care

 

[EBAMom]

Hey! I started pre-reqs at 30, and I'm currently 31. I have a degree in English, so math really is not my thing. But, I found that the math is not at all overwelming. Algebra-based physics took a little getting used to, but once I was there, I did really well. General Chemistry isn't bad either, as long as you write down all the steps. Then, biology has very little math. Don't let a fear of math stand in your way. The amount of math is considerably less than I thought, and the math you are required to do (at least at this level) is pretty simple.

 

[255301]

thanks, ebamom! i know it's a silly reason to stay away...but i'm afraid to get into something and not make it...
good luck to you!!!