what do i do since i can't get volunteer hours?

[mintleif]

---

Members do not see this ad.

ok. so, i'm interested in 0-6 pharmacy schools and i'm trying my best to set myself up for that. BUT my parents don't want me to go to college, they want me to join the military. and they're trying their hardest to make it hard for me to go to college.

for instance, i need volunteer hours at a hospital and/or shadowing experience under a pharmacist. so i asked my parents if they could pick me up on the days i volunteer since the hospital is only a 45 minute walk for me after school. they said no. then i said "ok, i'll give you gas money." they still said no. then i said "alright, then i'll walk home from the hopsital". (it's about a 2 hour walk from my house). and guess what? they still said no! grrr! what am i supposed to do? i'm not allowed to volunteer at all, all because they want me to join the military. this isn't fair. they're ruining my life. i'm not even allowed to do ECs. is this something i can mention on college apps when it asks for ECs and volunteer experience? i should've known that when i would read a lot and they would say reading is a waste of time that it would lead up to something like this. ugh...i'm going to have a heart attack

 

[EddieL]

ok. so, i'm interested in 0-6 pharmacy schools and i'm trying my best to set myself up for that. BUT my parents don't want me to go to college, they want me to join the military. and they're trying their hardest to make it hard for me to go to college.

for instance, i need volunteer hours at a hospital and/or shadowing experience under a pharmacist. so i asked my parents if they could pick me up on the days i volunteer since the hospital is only a 45 minute walk for me after school. they said no. then i said "ok, i'll give you gas money." they still said no. then i said "alright, then i'll walk home from the hopsital". (it's about a 2 hour walk from my house). and guess what? they still said no! grrr! what am i supposed to do? i'm not allowed to volunteer at all, all because they want me to join the military. this isn't fair. they're ruining my life. i'm not even allowed to do ECs. is this something i can mention on college apps when it asks for ECs and volunteer experience? i should've known that when i would read a lot and they would say reading is a waste of time that it would lead up to something like this. ugh...i'm going to have a heart attack

You could mention it on a college app, although the majority of 0-6 programs like to see experience. Your excuse is only slightly above putting nothing. To be honest, you need to be bold and frank with your parents. Tell them you don't want to go into the military and want to be a pharmacist. You could even be a pharmacist in the military. They have the power to totally screw this up. It's your future and life, not theirs; they can't decide your career.

 

[Daedra22]

ok. so, i'm interested in 0-6 pharmacy schools and i'm trying my best to set myself up for that. BUT my parents don't want me to go to college, they want me to join the military. and they're trying their hardest to make it hard for me to go to college.

for instance, i need volunteer hours at a hospital and/or shadowing experience under a pharmacist. so i asked my parents if they could pick me up on the days i volunteer since the hospital is only a 45 minute walk for me after school. they said no. then i said "ok, i'll give you gas money." they still said no. then i said "alright, then i'll walk home from the hopsital". (it's about a 2 hour walk from my house). and guess what? they still said no! grrr! what am i supposed to do? i'm not allowed to volunteer at all, all because they want me to join the military. this isn't fair. they're ruining my life. i'm not even allowed to do ECs. is this something i can mention on college apps when it asks for ECs and volunteer experience? i should've known that when i would read a lot and they would say reading is a waste of time that it would lead up to something like this. ugh...i'm going to have a heart attack

Are there any bus routes in your area? If you live on/near a military base, could you convince them to let you volunteer there (I know when my husband was in the army, the hospital accepted volunteers)? Or maybe after you graduate highschool you can get your own place and work/volunteer for a year. It may not sound like the thing you want to do, but it might be your only option. You can apply to both 0-6 and regular college programs in the meantime, and try your luck. It's hard when your parents are completely unsupportive. Those are all the ideas I have : /

 

[Gigantron]

I apologize but, SERIOUSLY? How thick are your parents? You do what YOU think is best for yourself, not what your parents believe. My parents didn't want me to become a doctor either, simply because nobody else in my family ever went to med school, let alone college. But even they were still willing to take me to places to volunteer and shadow physicians (under the impression that I would crack the first day). With that said, is it possible that maybe your school can help you with some of this? Maybe if your school has a volunteering program, perhaps that could help you when it comes to volunteering at a pharmacy. I know my school does, but I didn't use their way in because I didn't want to look like I was forced to volunteer at a hospital (I actually WANTED volunteer at the hospital, and I still love it).

 

[schrizto]

This is a difficult situation, since if your parents are blocking you from doing ECs they could potentially prevent you from doing required things for college entrance such as taking the SAT/ACT. Perhaps you could reach a compromise and do ROTC? I know there are pharmacists who have their education financed by and work for the military.

In addition, you should tell your guidance counselor about this situation and they could explain it in their evaluation letter to the schools you apply to.

 

[mintleif]

Are there any bus routes in your area? If you live on/near a military base, could you convince them to let you volunteer there (I know when my husband was in the army, the hospital accepted volunteers)? Or maybe after you graduate highschool you can get your own place and work/volunteer for a year. It may not sound like the thing you want to do, but it might be your only option. You can apply to both 0-6 and regular college programs in the meantime, and try your luck. It's hard when your parents are completely unsupportive. Those are all the ideas I have : /

no, no bus routes. and i don't live on/near a base either. my parents were never in the military. they just think it's a better route for some reason.

 

[mintleif]

This is a difficult situation, since if your parents are blocking you from doing ECs they could potentially prevent you from doing required things for college entrance such as taking the SAT/ACT. Perhaps you could reach a compromise and do ROTC? I know there are pharmacists who have their education financed by and work for the military.

In addition, you should tell your guidance counselor about this situation and they could explain it in their evaluation letter to the schools you apply to.

i know, but i really don't want to join the military. joining ROTC would mean i'd have to.

 

[Daedra22]

i know, but i really don't want to join the military. joining ROTC would mean i'd have to.

Actually, no. You can be in ROTC for two years before you incur any obligation (as long as you don't take the scholarship). I know several people who tried ROTC, decided against it, and never followed through with the full 4 years.

 

[mintleif]

Actually, no. You can be in ROTC for two years before you incur any obligation (as long as you don't take the scholarship). I know several people who tried ROTC, decided against it, and never followed through with the full 4 years.

oh, but i still don't want to. i'm in NJROTC right now and i hate it. plus, i highly doubt i could make it in the military.

 

[Daedra22]

oh, but i still don't want to. i'm in NJROTC right now and i hate it. plus, i highly doubt i could make it in the military.

I was merely pointing out that you were spreading false information. You can get into college without EC's and volunteer work, just probably not a 0-6. If they won't even let you take the entrance tests, then get a job, get out there on your own, and do what you want to do. Once you turn 18 your choices are your own.

 

[mintleif]

I was merely pointing out that you were spreading false information. You can get into college without EC's and volunteer work, just probably not a 0-6. If they won't even let you take the entrance tests, then get a job, get out there on your own, and do what you want to do. Once you turn 18 your choices are your own.

oh. i didn't realize i was spreading false info.

 

[schrizto]

oh, but i still don't want to. i'm in NJROTC right now and i hate it. plus, i highly doubt i could make it in the military.

That's why I said it would be a compromise. Maybe your parents will let you go to college if it's ROTC. It's better than not going to college at all.

 

[mintleif]

That's why I said it would be a compromise. Maybe your parents will let you go to college if it's ROTC. It's better than not going to college at all.

ya, but still. shouldn't there be some kind of law against them stopping me from doing what i need to do to get in? i'm not asking them to pay for any tuition or anything.

 

[Daedra22]

ya, but still. shouldn't there be some kind of law against them stopping me from doing what i need to do to get in? i'm not asking them to pay for any tuition or anything.

People here are trying to make the point to you that you have options. Unless your parents are abusing you, they can decide what happens to you while you live with them. If they are merely being irrational, then it is up to you to make the best of your situation.

 

[mintleif]

People here are trying to make the point to you that you have options. Unless your parents are abusing you, they can decide what happens to you while you live with them. If they are merely being irrational, then it is up to you to make the best of your situation.

i realize i have options, they're just not the ones i want.

 

[schrizto]

People here are trying to make the point to you that you have options. Unless your parents are abusing you, they can decide what happens to you while you live with them. If they are merely being irrational, then it is up to you to make the best of your situation.

Agreed, it's not child abuse and the law can't force your parents to pick you up after volunteering. They are acting in what they believe to be your best interest, however misguided it may be. You'll have to find some way around it and we're trying to help you. I find it kind of strange that you make a thread asking for advice and then shoot down every one of our suggestions because "[you] don't want to" which comes across as a bit whiny.

 

[mintleif]

Agreed, it's not child abuse and the law can't force your parents to pick you up after volunteering. They are acting in what they believe to be your best interest, however misguided it may be. You'll have to find some way around it and we're trying to help you. I find it kind of strange that you make a thread asking for advice and then shoot down every one of our suggestions because "[you] don't want to" which comes across as a bit whiny.

i wasn't trying to shoot down everyones post. i was just kinda hoping for confirmation that a school would accept me despite not having volunteer hours. but i see what your saying, i'll stop 🙂.

 

[bacillus1]

You're from NJ? I wasn't aware that Rutgers required volunteer hours. I'm relatively sure that some 0-6 programs don't even give that large of a preference to people that volunteer at pharmacies. Just apply to all pharmacy schools (that don't expressly state volunteering as a requirement) and you're bound to get into 1 provided that your grades and SATs are good.

 

[mintleif]

You're from NJ? I wasn't aware that Rutgers required volunteer hours. I'm relatively sure that some 0-6 programs don't even give that large of a preference to people that volunteer at pharmacies. Just apply to all pharmacy schools (that don't expressly state volunteering as a requirement) and you're bound to get into 1 provided that your grades and SATs are good.

no, i'm not from NJ. NJROTC stands for naval junior reserve officer traning corps. it's like ROTC but for high schoolers. but thanks for the info 🙂.

 

[DD214_DOC]

no, i'm not from NJ. NJROTC stands for naval junior reserve officer traning corps. it's like ROTC but for high schoolers. but thanks for the info 🙂.

Given your parents ignorant disdain for, "books and other learnin' thangs", my only assumption is that you're from the South.

I ran into this garbage too from my inlaws. They thought I had wasted my time with college and getting more educated was an even greater waste, that I would be better off as a rank-and-file day laborer like all of them.

Now I make more money than any of them as a student on military scholarship to medical school and graduate in ~ 3 months. They don't say much now, except when they want to borrow money.

 

[mintleif]

Given your parents ignorant disdain for, "books and other learnin' thangs", my only assumption is that you're from the South.

I ran into this garbage too from my inlaws. They thought I had wasted my time with college and getting more educated was an even greater waste, that I would be better off as a rank-and-file day laborer like all of them.

Now I make more money than any of them as a student on military scholarship to medical school and graduate in ~ 3 months. They don't say much now, except when they want to borrow money.

yes, i'm from the south. but not a stereotypical southern place, i'm from Florida. most of my family do consider themselves "rednecks" while i don't. i'm glad you mentioned day laborers 'cause i just talked with my dad about my goals etc. it seems we had a misunderstanding, he is a day laborer and he knows what it's like to not make so much money etc, and i guess he was worried that i wasn't serious about college and and that i would drop out and end up doing what he does and struggling for the rest of my life. so he figured if i joined the military and stayed in 20+ years i'd be set for life and have no worries. he says that's what he wished he did. so anyway, i'm currently in the midst of working out future plans with him and my mom and maybe i'll actually get to volunteer!

so thanks to everyone for their advice and helpful opinions. i'm just glad i'm able to start working it out with my parents 🙂. oh, and by the way, i thought the borrowing money part was pretty funny. i guess that'll be one bad thing about making good money, because everyone will want a piece of it. oh, well, i'm cool with sharing some of it 😎.

 

[DD214_DOC]

Talking things through is always a good idea. Learn from this lesson, it will serve you well.

I don't loan money any more. Not just because I'm a vindictive ******* either. The first time they asked for money, I loaned them $3000 to pay bills and avoid having to file for bankruptcy. Three days later they were driving around a new car. Wonder where they got the down payment? They ended up filing bankruptcy anyways.

A couple years later, they were in danger of losing their home to foreclosure. They asked for $5000 to bail them out and get it current. I told them they would end up losing the house even if I gave them money, so I wasn't going to do it. Besides, I thought dealing with the consequences would be good for them. They did lose the house, but now things are much better for them and they are more financially stable after going through that struggle.

Anyways, long story that doesn't really serve a point. Good luck with everything.

 

[TheMagicCookie]

Here's my two cents worth...you're parents cannot prevent you from getting good grades and excelling in school. Yes, they may make a few things a little more difficult to achieve, but they aren't the ones the determine your performance. When it's time to graduate you'll be 18 and of legal age to make your own decisions. They have no ability to force you to enlist with the military. It may be tough now and I think a lot of us have been there before, but what you need to focus on right now is being proactive and making the best of a undesirable situation.

 

[chrslbrt]

yes, i'm from the south. but not a stereotypical southern place, i'm from Florida. most of my family do consider themselves "rednecks" while i don't. i'm glad you mentioned day laborers 'cause i just talked with my dad about my goals etc. it seems we had a misunderstanding, he is a day laborer and he knows what it's like to not make so much money etc, and i guess he was worried that i wasn't serious about college and and that i would drop out and end up doing what he does and struggling for the rest of my life. so he figured if i joined the military and stayed in 20+ years i'd be set for life and have no worries. he says that's what he wished he did. so anyway, i'm currently in the midst of working out future plans with him and my mom and maybe i'll actually get to volunteer!

so thanks to everyone for their advice and helpful opinions. i'm just glad i'm able to start working it out with my parents 🙂. oh, and by the way, i thought the borrowing money part was pretty funny. i guess that'll be one bad thing about making good money, because everyone will want a piece of it. oh, well, i'm cool with sharing some of it 😎.

I see the logic in your father's statement.
Yes, no worries in the military. Its not like people are shooting Ak-47s out there. Those bullets dont hurt, they just sting a little. 😎
Tell your parents that.

 

[mintleif]

I see the logic in your father's statement.
Yes, no worries in the military. Its not like people are shooting Ak-47s out there. Those bullets dont hurt, they just sting a little. 😎
Tell your parents that.

lol. i already mentioned that to him.

 

[austinblnd]

lol. i already mentioned that to him.

Off topic, but your avatar creeps me out.

 

[mintleif]

Off topic, but your avatar creeps me out.

😀

 

[ScottMontgomery]

Well I know that you want to do what you want to do, but here is an option.

This wont quite give you the 0-6 that you want, but what if you join the military, and let them pay for your schooling?

For example, a good buddy of mine is in his last year of residency for Ortho Surgery. He spent the first year in the Navy, then went on to Med school, Intern, Residency. Now he has to go back to the Navy for the additional 3 years, where he will serve as a Ortho Surgeon. His schooling was all paid for completely. He never did ANY volunteer work, although the military helped shine his Med School Application.

Now the difference from him to you, is that he already had his Bachelors when he went to the Navy, as he was on Officer.

But just another story and situation to help add your choices. I would say follow your heart and do what you want to do. It is your life not theirs. I know its hard to stand against your parents, but if they watch you succeed in life, their feelings will change I think.

Best of luck to you.

If my story sparked any interest to you, find a forum on the web about programs and options in the military that would allow you to do this. DO NOT talk to a recruiter. They will lie, cheat and steal to get you in the door and sign your life away.

Good luck!