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My Current Situation

A page in the diary "The Daydreaming Student of Life"
Written by a-Leng 29. Jan 2007 11:00 PM

It's hard to put this in words but I'll try. I've been busy lately trying to sort out my near future with regards to my studies.

In my previous entry I mentioned that I'd most likely get a 3rd stage academic review from my university saying I won't be able to continue to study Marketing at the university. I ended up getting a letter basically stating the above, it also said I could send in an appeal against preclusion, so I wrote a letter and got some help from a student advisory officer from the university.

I also applied for a place at TAFE in case the appeal against preclusion from the university was not successful. And I was successful in getting a place in my first choice at TAFE.

Now I'm in a bit of a sticky situation. Basically for the TAFE I have to enrol on the 2nd of February and the course starts on the 13th of February. As for the university, I expect to hear from them on the 7th at the earliest on whether they've decided on an outcome or not. If they are still undecided then they will arrange a meeting on the 14th for me to argue my case.

I'm also finding it difficult to make a decision as to whether I should continue my studies at university with the hope of transferring to another degree, or whether I should just accept the TAFE course and complete a certificate 4 in an area I have an interest in. That is if I have the option to study at university at all.

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Comments from the community:

Dear A-Leng

Firstly, well done for choosing to persist with your studies.

It's good that you've written to Uni and also that your student advisor is helping you. I hope you explained your battle with depression and offered to produce a medical certificate - if not I recommend that you follow up with that. Remember - uni's earn money from students - so it is generally in their interest to keep you. I've also found that awareness of mental health in Aus has really improved, and you may be surprised at how supportive the uni is.

Re the TAFE application - well done for having a plan B.

I've just had a quick scan through some of your posts - and I'm guessing you are in 2nd year?? Also - I can see that you've found aspects of uni hard, and had to face failure. I am studying aswell, and I find that depression makes uni so much harder than it is for students who don't suffer from mental illness.

You've also said you don't enjoy marketing.

Here's my thoughts - but remember the decision must be yours.

You're young and have lots of time to change things in the future. You will be more succesful at something you enjoy than trying to battle through something you're not enjoying. You've still got a long way to go with your degree and when it's difficult and assignment/exam pressure is on it can really affect your mental health. Your health and happiness is the most important thing. If you enjoy something it will mean so much more than having a qualification in something you don't enjoy. TAFE may be more of a practical rather than theoretical learning experience which may suit you better. You will get a sense of achievement through achieving the more achievable goals at TAFE, rather than risking your health and happiness at uni. Later on, you can always do uni if you want to and may be able to get credit for some of your prior learning. There's so much more to life than a degree. I know plenty of idiots - some have degrees, some don't. My guts say - go for TAFE - take some of the burden off yourself, and remember that enjoyment breeds success.

However, remember - it's got to be your choice - listen to your inner voice.

Lots of love

Kimberly
xoxo

Written by Deleted_User, 30. Jan 2007 06:02 AM

Hi a-Leng

What kimberly has said makes a lot of sense. You could do the Cert IV at TAFE and give yourself qualifications in something you are interested in.

Then, up to five years from now, you could re-apply to go to uni and be able to use some of your subjects as prior learning. The fact that you have completed the TAFE studies would stand you in good stead to get back into uni if you wanted to. It would show them that you can finish something.

Congratulations on doing so much to be able to continue your education. It is really hard to push yourself to do these things when you are depressed.

If you need advice on which action to take, go to TAFE and speak to the student counsellor there about it.

Be kind to yourself

Jenny

Written by Deleted_User, 30. Jan 2007 01:22 PM

Hi A-leng.

After reading the last 2 posts... I am afraid i can not add anthing to them.. Kimberly has said it all...

Again another well thought out and positive imput from her.

( one quite amazing girl)

Just wanted to offer you support.

Love Michelle.

Written by mickey2, 30. Jan 2007 03:27 PM

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