Continuing Education

A few years ago, I made the decision to go back to school to try again to get my associates degree. I have been trying to get my degree since the late 80's. I would go for a while, then stop. Then go again, etc. I have also changed my major about 2-3 times. During this entire time period, there were certain classes that I avoided like the plague! Especially MATH! I have NEVER been good at math. I can do basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, but as for anything else FORGET IT!

The past couple years, I have been taking Pre-Algebra. I fail Pre-Algebra 1 the first time, and then passed it by the skin of my teeth the second time. After I failed Pre-Algebra 2, the college I attend finally decided to agree that there might be a problem. They weren't sure prior to this because I wasn't really putting forth much effort, which in all honesty was true for the first time I took Pre-Algebra 1, but not when I took Pre-Algebra 2.

I was recently tested to see where I was academically. It was discovered that I truly do have a learning disability, especially when it comes to math. To be honest, once they discovered this, I felt relieved. I was beginning to think that it was all in my head. I was beating myself up over it, thinking that I truly was stupid and just couldn't do it because of being lazy and not putting forth enough effort. Since this discovery, the Disability Support Coordinator and I are working on finding an alternative math class, that does not involve actually calculations, yes, they do exist, I didn't think they did.

Every time I get the chance to talk to a young person about school, regardless of whether they are disabled or not, I encourage them to go to school while they are young. I will be 49 years old in a couple months. I have discovered that the older I get and the more life gets in the way, the harder it is to achieve this goal and I don't want to see others make the same mistake I did.

Oh, and if you are disabled, there are a ton of resources out there to help you achieve your goals. I used Vocational Rehabilitation, and resources available through the college such as tutoring. Do to the ADA laws, if you qualify, you might be entitled to such resources as: more time for tests, permission to tape record the class, a note taker, or they will show you certain study techniques to make learning the material easier. I hope this post encourages those considering going on to or going back to school.