mmmmhhh, pistol whip...
I was unprepared, according to the University, to begin at the same level as most of the other AE freshman. I was, along with most other AE freshman, placed in MA 006. I took the Challenge Test and through lack of preparation, was found deficient in my Trigonometry skills. If I had two or three days to prepare and refresh my memory (as it had been months since I looked at Trig), I could have passed it and entered Calc. Instead, I went in blind with less than a day�s notice and nothing to study from. The computer suggested I be placed in MA 111. Talking to the computer lab supervisor, he told me to add and drop the classes. He did not ask what major I was in but simply told me to follow the computer�s instructions. I did so, not realizing that completing MA 111 would not allow me to proceed to MA 241. It was about three classes into the year that I finally talked to my MA 111 teacher who told me that I should have a higher Precalc class. By this time, they were all filled up. The only possible solution was to take the two as separate classes and rearrange my schedule. I had to drop history, though I took the test and got the credit, and ended up in two new classes several weeks into the semester. Changing my schedule required about two week�s worth of effort.
By the time I entered Trig, I was so far behind, I had to drop the class. This dropped me to twelve credits and left me with MA 140, College Algebra. What follows is entirely my fault and my own laziness. I put minimal effort into MA 140, frustrated with the entire situation that I had gone through and frustrated that I was in this class that I didn�t need to repeat in the first place. I never did homework, missed a test, and missed enough classes to warrant a point off of my final grade. I will most likely now fail the class.
Now my dilemma is as follows. I do of course, have to tell my mother of this. I've been killing myself over this inevitable task. But now, I've finally been notified that I can participate in the shakedown of the Mars Desert Research Station over Christmas break (the weeks of and after break). This will involve my absence away from home for two weeks out of my month long break, the first time I will have been home since I left for college. She knows this is coming, but she has no idea about the class. Somehow, I have to make plans about fitting this into my break, telling her about the MDRS (which she won't be overly thrilled about) and the class. BTW, because of a little trouble with the law early last summer, I didn't have my car this first semester as part of my punishment. The agreement was that as long as I did well enough in school, I would get it back for the Spring semester. And I REALLY want my car back.
Sunday nights is usually when I call her, but I have no idea about how to proceed right now.
Be a man. Fuck you.
[ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: Veers ]
If you want to insult each other, take it to a more private method, such as email or private messages.
If any of you persist, you will have your posting permissions revoked.
Am I perfectly clear?
mmmmhhh, pistol whip...
My dad is being transfered and the family is moving in January to Pennsylvania. The original plan was for me to complete my Freshmen year at Purdue North Central here where we lived, then transfer down as normal to Purdue's main campus in West Lafeyette. But now due to this move, I have to attempt to transfer down at the end of this semester. I needs grades above Cs in every class to be approved for transfer.
If I do not transfer, I will be forced to move with my parents to Pennsylvania come January, and most likely just find a job and do nothing until the Fall when I may find classes at Penn State, since when I move, colleges will already be well into their Spring Semester, and I'd have missed the registration.
Gonna be a shitty Christmas...
quote:
Originally posted by Malnurtured Snay:
Well its good to know me and Omega aren't the only two who get yelled at
Hello?!? What about me? Capps not only yells at me, but he also locked me in a dark, dank dungeon for TWO months. I had to live off of rat carcases damn it!!!! 
I can certainly sympathize with you on your situation. I've been in the same boat. My story is an extreme bit on the long side, so I'll save the story of betrayal, mistrust, and redemption for another day. I hid my grade problems for a long time from my parents. The main reason was that I did not want to disappoint them. They've always had high expections for me, and I've always wanted to make them proud. They never pushed me or nagged me about my grades, but there's just then instinctual thing in my head that tells me I need to do my best for them. I'm wondering if a psychologist would have lots of fun with me. You up for a challenge, Liam?
Anyway, I finally had to spill everything after my grade problems had reached critical mass. When I told my parents, I was just honest with them. I told then exactly why I was having problems. I let them in on how much my job in the dorms was affecting my ability to study effectively, and how at times I cared more about my job than school. I told them that I always tried to do well, but sometimes I just couldn't force myself to that. Fortunately, my parents were understanding. They weren't too happy with the four failing marks on my transcript, but they were glad that I finally told them what was going on.
OnToMars, here's my advise for you (if it isn't too late). Be honest with your mother. Do not lie; do not exaggerate. Simply tell your mother why things happened and how they were allowed to happen. Tell her that you are sorry that this happened, and try and convince her that you will do better the following semester. And beyond that, actually do better that semester. Sit down and think of everything that has distracted you and figure a way to fight against it. It's easier said than done, but it has helped me a bit.
Best of luck to you when you talk to her.
Jeff: No need. We found it. We went on Saturday. We bought something several inches long that requires C cells & glows in the dark of all things. Ain't that the bitch, yo.
Of course, if they are above me, what the hell is my job?
[ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: Veers ]
quote:
Be honest with your mother.
Isn't this pretty much what Shikishima told you? To be honest? (Albeit, more rudely)
But anyway, bit the bullet and called tonight. As it stands now, no car, no MDRS, and no acquisition of private pilot's license next semester. I'm really not sure how I'm going to get by another several months without my car. My car, to me, is more than a mode of transportation. It is a release, a way to clear my mind and vent frustration.
No real yelling, per say, just the smug patronizing "I knew this was going to happen." sort of subtext to the conversation. Which to me, is much more infuriarating than any good reaming out. Ugh, no support whatsoever. Just cold criticism. Arrrrggggghhhhhh!
OnToMars, um, yikes, man. That's really a raw deal you got there. From the perspective of someone outside of the situation, there was bound to be some sort of consequences since you willingly admitted blame for the class. But that really seems like a harsh punishment. I could see the extension of the car ban and even the postponement of the pilot's license, but the MDRS is something pertinent and worthwhile to your major. Will she not budge at all with you? Is there any chance that you could sit down for a few hours with her and try to strike a deal? There has got to be some sort of leeway in there something. A compromise or something. Give it a shot, maybe you can get the consequences lightened up a bit. Get the car sooner or go to the MDRS.
As someone who's been in a similar situation, man, that is a seriously rough deal you've gotten, OnToMars. No support whatsoever? Nothing but cold criticism? That's just yucky. This coming semester could be quite tough on you for those two reasons alone. Do you have any really close friends with you at school? Talk to them; let them know what's going on. Vent to them, and hang out with them. If you're mother isn't going to be supportive of you to the degree you need it, you're friends definitely will. I doubt very much that I could have survived my own problems without the help of my friends. Also, is it possible for you confront your mother about her attitude to this? I mean, if you told her the truth about the class, she should be satisfied that you're able to recognize that you made mistakes and intend on fixing them. It wouldn't completely override the disappointment of the class, but it's still a good sign.
If people ask why you don't have a car, tell them you're doing it for the environment
[ December 04, 2001: Message edited by: Jernau Morat Gurgeh ]
[/JOKING MODE]OK. Seriously now . . .
That does suck just a bit, but I can understand your parent's point of view - they are trying to teach you responsibility. But you know this and don't need me to tell you. Sounds like your education is as f***ked up as it is over here. Here they just want your money and that's it. To them you are just a number and nothing more. As for listening to a computer - I'm impressed with computers (when they work) but I'd never listen to one when it tells me to do something.
I now feel fortunate to have the parents that I have. I have had some troubles in my life. Firstly I was bullied and didn't tell anyone until it got too much for me and I got into trouble at school. My mum came to the rescue and has been my defender and supporter ever since. She listens to my troubles, knows when I have problems and urges me to talk about them.
I had trouble with my A-levels the first time around. I was a little scared to tell them what I had got - fearing the worst. But they supported me and helped me through my resits. I'm now a bit like you. Pissed at the education system and fed up after 17 years of it. I'm demotivated and so stressed that if you switched the light on I'd have a heart attack.
They are the steady rocks beneath my feet where I walk. I doubt that I could get through all the shit that I've been through without them.
Even though I am ashamed to admit to them that I am struggling and not doing as well as we would all like, I know that even though telling them is hard and painful, it is the right thing to do.
OnToMars - you may feel down now but I think that you've done a very brave thing. I'm proud of you son!
And if you ever catch me slacking I expect you to tell me the same!
Chin up OnToMars, things could be worse. At least you still have your parents, your health and you can always improve things.
Oh well here we go again!
OnToMars: (Joking mode on) Now if you screw it up on your next chance then we'll all come over and pistol whip you! (Joking mode off)
Seriously: Pal I think you did a brave thing. It may hurt now but I think, I know that you've done the right thing. I'm proud of you son!
I have to say though, maybe your parents could be a bit more supportive of you - it wasn't all your fault. That stupid computer told you what to do. While I am impressed with computers, I would never do anything like that if it told me to. There's your second fault (the first being you're kinda lazy).
My parents are the steady rocks beneath my feet. Without them I'd probably never have gotten through all the shit that has happened in my life.
I know how you feel about the education system mate. Where I am now all they care about is your money. To them you are just a number and they don't give a shit about you. Not to mention all the stress with assignments and exams all the formula that I have to learn!!!!! 
Keep your chin up OnToMars, things may look bleak now, but your parents are trying to teach you some responsibility. I know it sucks and I know that you don't need me to tell you this, so I won't. Look on the bright side: when you've achieved your grade you'll get your car and you'll appreciate it that much more. And every time you look at it you'll remember what you had to go through to get it. That way you won't make the same mistake again.
Like me!
It did send my first post!
Eh? 
Oh well . . .