Going to college with 4 children at 33. ADVICE!!?

Question

I had my induction at college yesterday, as i am doing a pre access course. I was and still am VERY nervous!! I have to go back today just to fill in diary and other few things but start properly on Monday. I am 33 and have 4 children, i have suffered with depression on and off for 11yrs, this is my first time in going to college as i left school and had my children all at a young age. I feel this is my time now and i want to do something with my life other than be a mum and a sufferer of depression. How can i overcome the panic and nervousness when i am in college as yesterday i felt and know i stood out from looking and being scared. After one day i am starting to think is it really for me BUT i really want to do something. I came home yesterday sat down and filled up with tears thinking am i taking on too much, is it too soon, am i doing the right thing? I know i am not going to now unless i try but i hate feeling the way i am feeling, I HATE being me!! Am i taking the right course will i be able to cope?

Answer 1

I'm in the same situation as you.  I have two kids and I have been going to college for 5 years.  (I'll soon be done, yay).  Anyway, at the beginning of the semester I always have a hard time.  I think that i can't do it and juggle it all.  After a few weeks everything will fall into place and get easier.  I also suffer from depression and am on some medicine that works pretty well.  You'll have hard days but it will get easier.  Today I had a hard day.  I came home and cried because it is overwhelming with all the work, and then I feel guilty leaving my son with a babysitter while I go to school.  You are working towards something and it will all be worth it when you are finished.  Good luck.

Answer 2

You are just going to have to balance your time very carefully.  Trust me I felt the same way at the beginning of last semester and I found that I didn't have time to be depressed or scared.  Think of it as working really hard now so that life will be a bit easier for you and your kids in the future.  You will feel so proud of yourself after this semester and you'll want to continue.  I found that the when I put college on hold for my family I always felt bad for not pushing through and now that I'm back in school I feel like I'm doing something and those feelings of not being productive are gone.  Time management is key so just focus on that for now. Good luck and I hope you do well!!