Help deciding my college career.

[CordialAmoeba]

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Hello, my name is Anna.

I would like to give you a bit of an introduction/backstory about my self. I am 23 years-old, attending my second semester at a Community College. Thus far, I am attempting to complete my prerequisites and earn a General Education Associates degree. (I was home schooled, and I did not attend a traditional High School, so my math and science skills were inadequate. Fortunately, I am a quick study, and I excelled in my basic Biology class, and I am passing in math.)

I am looking to take Anatomy and Physiology, introductory Chemistry and College Algebra the coming Spring and Summer semesters. I am really hoping to become a General Practitioner, and then perhaps return to Med-School and become either a General Surgeon or a Pediatrician. However, I am running into several discouragements. Discouragement one: I really am not good at Algebra (I am in a remedial course at the moment.) I am concerned that my terrible mathematics alone would prevent me from passing Med-School. Problem number two is lack of funds; I am paying for school out of my own pocket, with no assistance from family or Financial Aid. (I know I can get loans, but I am afraid to take one out at the moment.) Finally, roadblock number three (and the most disheartening,) my family/peers have been trying to convince me to 'take the easy route' and become a nurse. (I don't believe any profession in the medical field is 'easy'.) But it bothers me that everyone keeps telling me that becoming a doctor is too expensive/too hard/takes too long.

I am not looking into the medical field because I want to make a lot of money. I am interested in this profession because I want to help people, and maybe give back to the community in some way. I owe it to all the doctors and nurses whom kept me alive when I was born (I was a premie,) and for the doctors and nurse whom have helped me throughout my life. I am willing to sacrifice my time, devote my life, to helping others.

Discerning where to start, and how to keep the courage to more towards my dream, is my biggest struggle. Please, if anyone can offer me any advice, or encouragement, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Accomplishing things in life is hard because we think. The secret is to not think and instead do. If you want to be a doctor or whatever else, just do the steps needed to get there one step at a time instead of thinking of the road to get there. You will eventually just get there if you keep doing that for long enough.

 

[Non-donor Troll]

Hi Anna,

First, learning is a process. Making the transition from home school to college will require adjustments that most people won't understand (on top of a heavy college course load). Don't get discouraged that you need to take remedial math (you don't really use it that much) and have confidence that the more you learn the better you will get at learning.

The most important thing for you right now is to get good grades in your courses. You have a few years of getting beaten down by Chem, Phys, etc. and after going through those courses you should have a better idea if a medical school curriculum is a good fit for you. Nothing will limit your options quicker than doing poorly in school.

Get good grades, don't listen to anyone who tells you that you should give up. The majority of doctors didn't make it on innate brilliance but through hard work and determination.

Good luck!

 

[Lucca]

Moving to PreAllo as OP is a Premed.