SCHOOL. Math challenges. Oh goodness, life decisions.

[angelak]

I cannot take math this quarter.
It's not possible.
I need to write some things down that moshker helped me sort out today.

Math is a language.
This being said - well. I like languages after-all, right? I really do.
This also being said, I'll be needing to slowly skill build over time. Like I did at the end of December 2005 and January 2006.

I don't think I can rely on aroidan for tutoring purposes. I need to take this one on my own. That is something I had inwardly decided on earlier anyway.

So, bullet clear thoughts that are un-emotional and not plagued with math-anxiety:

- I cannot enroll in a math class this quarter.
- I need to study for the next 2 months or so for the assessment.
- I will not take Math 80.
- If I place into Math 99, I will retake it.
- Goal: Math 105
- If I don't place into Math 99, I will retake the math assessment for the Fall 06 QTR.
- If I still don't pass for 99/105, this is definitely a message that I need to switch majors.

All this being said, I have time to consider, research, and see if I still want to pursue Computer Science as a BS, or if I want to make a switch to some kind of Information Systems Management BA/BS. I'm a little murky on this, mostly because I have been unable to explore the math as an older student deal (outside of assessing) and because I'm not entirely certain how I will feel in programming courses.

I honestly haven't had a chance to figure it out yet. The math roadblock has been very, very rough on me.
I am trying to hold it together and keep my patience with this all. And even though I have taken pressure off my option to enroll this quarter in a MATH class, I still have a feel initial thoughts:

- I am upset that I don't have anything to honestly enroll in.
- I am still seriously considering a major shift anyway
- Do I want to stay in IT?

If I don't, it means I have to pay for 100% of my schooling only to enter a different career field and possibly take a pay cut in the beginning. I don't think I can afford those options. Especially considering the only 1 or 2 things I feel interested in studying... seem difficult. Not difficult as subjects, but difficult to apply to my career.

What are those?

- Psychology
- Communications of some sort

As it is, funding at the Community College level is bleh for me. Hmmmmmm.
Student loans - are initially, I think, going to be inevitable at some point. I've accepted this a while back.
Does this mean it'll be impossible for me to buy some kind of condo of my own in the near future?
I know regardless, I am buying a new car within the next month or so.
And the beat goes on, right?

That being said, I'd also like to transfer my credits from the Associates degree that I do have - (aside from the tuition reimbursement issue.)

-Angela

Comments

[tzaddi-93.livejournal.com]

Does this mean it'll be impossible for me to buy some kind of condo of my own in the near future?

Student loans will only keep you from getting a mortgage for two reasons:

1) If you are in default. This is easily prevented. Don't borrow more than you need, and make your payments. If you cannot make your payments when they are due, negotiate with the loan service provider for a deferral, forbearance, or an adjusted payment plan. Your financial aid officer and loan service provider should have information on the requirements for each easily available to you. Bottom line: Stay on top of paying the loans.

2) Your required student loan payment throws off your debt-to-income ratio. They add up all of your periodic payments (student loans, car payments, credit cards, etc) plus your projected costs for housing (loan principal & interest, plus homeowner's insurance, property taxes, and homeowner's dues if applicable.) This total cannot exceed a defined percentage of your income (between 25-40%, depending on the lender.) If your ratio is off, there are options you can discuss with your loan officer. One option (if this won't throw off the loan-to-value ratio required) is to roll your student loan into your mortgage. This will likely result in a much lower total payment. Another option is to negotiate an extended payment plan which reduces your required payments. In general, it's best to limit the amount you borrow to what is absolutely necessary. This will keep your payments lower. Also, if you are concerned about your ability to qualify for a loan when it's time to go house shopping, get pre-approved. That way all the surprises are dealt with before you are making offers on homes. It also tells you what you can afford in advance and makes your offer more attractive to the sellers. A third option if you can't qualify for a solo condo is to look into buying a duplex with a solid rental history. If you have 2 years of documentation about the rental history, it counts toward your income in the calculations. And when you're ready to move up, you can rent out the side you lived in and let the renters pay down your mortgage for you. :)

[herongrrrl.livejournal.com]

Don't rule out the possibility of scholarships. Tons of money goes unclaimed every year. Your community college or hell, even your old high school counselor, can hook you up with scholarship searches. There are so many odd scholarships out there that are for people of different specific ethnicities, interests, skill strengths, etc. Odds are they won't be enough to eliminate the need for student loans, but they might help make those loans smaller.

There are some programs that allow you to work off a portion of your debt, as well; maybe Americorps does? You commit to a year of volunteer work during which you are provided with room and board (usually in a communal housing arrangement), a stipend, and some kind of student loan benefit, while sharing your skills with a non-profit or school. With your computer skills, you would be so valuable to a startup non-profit or a school or district that's trying to improve its technological resources!