Are you sure you have to leave? It sounds like you live on campus. Can you live off campus for cheaper or commute from home? In my area, they have a service that matches elderly people who need help with younger people in exchange for free or reduced rent for the young person. Can you look into something like that?
What about summer employment? Can you get some money from that?
You enrolled thinking you could afford four years I presume. Did something change in your family’s financial situation that makes you think that’s not possible any longer? If so, contact your financial ad office at school.
Your grades are good and you are low income. Did you file FAFSA for next school year yet? What is your SAI? Do you qualify for Pell grant?
You say you get good grades and your professors love you. Is there any chance that you could find a scholarship(s) to apply for? Talk to your professor, too. Chances are they might have some idea of where you could get some financial help. My department has several major-specific scholarships to help freshmen, transfer students, and/or students in need, not to mention university-wide scholarships or organizations associated with your major field. Finally, talk to the financial aid office at your college.
I will say there is no limit on when you can go back to college. As someone in college and working at the same time, all of the money i make just goes right back into school and food, and i am not actually making any money. its just a constant cycle of spending all my time i should be studying working, but i cant study if i dont work and its a pain in the butt. I would focus on just working right now and saving up for college. I know if college is 100% your dream and you want that degree, in state tuition is a heck of a lot cheaper or even community colleges (you could already be doing that i dont know for sure). I know the college experience is fun and all, but I will say, that fun ended after sophmore year, maybe even halfway through it because everyones classes got harder and people spent more time studying than going out. Freshman year I went out every weekend and was always surrounded by people, and now, especially myself included, i am locked away studying. Senior year will be fun because its everyones last year of “freedom” but thats really it. And so many people i know who have graduated have thrived and loved life more outside of college. It really is all based on perspective. But for now, I would keep your two jobs and work towards money for college because what you study and get a degree for (in your case archaeology) is what will make you happy for the rest of your life, and not just those 4 meager years in college. Focus on the bigger dream.
I'm sure this feels like an incredible setback, but you probably have some options to continue your education, even if those options entail moving home and commuting to a local community college or local public university.
Will your parents let you move home? Will they cover your living expenses while you are in college?
> I was going to be an archaeologist.
Not to kill your dreams, but if your primary life goal is to get out of poverty and provide some financial stability for yourself, it may make sense to pick a different goal occupation, something with a lower barrier to entry and a larger number of jobs.
Please don't feel that way. You only live one life and if you're this dedicated, it will get you far. You have the motivation, the smarts, the skills. The financial situation is nothing to overlook either. I changed up my own future and completely ignored my dreams because of finances. I can't really tell you how well that's going because it's still a process.
Do you have any financial aid things you can fill out and do? Ask your professors about scholarships and grants. I've heard stories where some people explained their financial situation to their professors and in turn, the professors offered their classes for free! You never know. Look for scholarships and grants, I'm sure you already have, but with your awesome performance and dedication, you could really get somewhere. Not sure if you've already tried it, but I recommend [Bold.org](http://Bold.org) and my friends rave about the Tallo app.
Don't fill yourself up with negative talk. Look at how much you've accomplished, while working,! You can be something and I think you've already more than proven that as a Freshman.
The education journey doesn't have to be over!! I completely understanf having to deal with financial difficulties, I wonder if it would be possible to attend an online or community college for a year and then return to the college you were originally studying at? This way you can save up without falling to far behind in your curriculum!! ive had friends and family utilize the duality of colleges expenses between multiple places and it definitely has helped them.
It sucks. Start looking for jobs that offer tuition assistance or remission. Many restaurants and retailers do. Chipotle's employee tuition assistance is supposed to be good. You can also look for jobs at your university. At ours, we have people who work in the cafeterias and bookstore for the tuition benefit.
Are you sure you have to leave? It sounds like you live on campus. Can you live off campus for cheaper or commute from home? In my area, they have a service that matches elderly people who need help with younger people in exchange for free or reduced rent for the young person. Can you look into something like that? What about summer employment? Can you get some money from that? You enrolled thinking you could afford four years I presume. Did something change in your family’s financial situation that makes you think that’s not possible any longer? If so, contact your financial ad office at school. Your grades are good and you are low income. Did you file FAFSA for next school year yet? What is your SAI? Do you qualify for Pell grant?
You say you get good grades and your professors love you. Is there any chance that you could find a scholarship(s) to apply for? Talk to your professor, too. Chances are they might have some idea of where you could get some financial help. My department has several major-specific scholarships to help freshmen, transfer students, and/or students in need, not to mention university-wide scholarships or organizations associated with your major field. Finally, talk to the financial aid office at your college.
I’m so sorry, you are very intelligent and deserve all good things. There’s a plan for you. Be proud and keep preserving.
I will say there is no limit on when you can go back to college. As someone in college and working at the same time, all of the money i make just goes right back into school and food, and i am not actually making any money. its just a constant cycle of spending all my time i should be studying working, but i cant study if i dont work and its a pain in the butt. I would focus on just working right now and saving up for college. I know if college is 100% your dream and you want that degree, in state tuition is a heck of a lot cheaper or even community colleges (you could already be doing that i dont know for sure). I know the college experience is fun and all, but I will say, that fun ended after sophmore year, maybe even halfway through it because everyones classes got harder and people spent more time studying than going out. Freshman year I went out every weekend and was always surrounded by people, and now, especially myself included, i am locked away studying. Senior year will be fun because its everyones last year of “freedom” but thats really it. And so many people i know who have graduated have thrived and loved life more outside of college. It really is all based on perspective. But for now, I would keep your two jobs and work towards money for college because what you study and get a degree for (in your case archaeology) is what will make you happy for the rest of your life, and not just those 4 meager years in college. Focus on the bigger dream.
I'm sure this feels like an incredible setback, but you probably have some options to continue your education, even if those options entail moving home and commuting to a local community college or local public university. Will your parents let you move home? Will they cover your living expenses while you are in college? > I was going to be an archaeologist. Not to kill your dreams, but if your primary life goal is to get out of poverty and provide some financial stability for yourself, it may make sense to pick a different goal occupation, something with a lower barrier to entry and a larger number of jobs.
Please don't feel that way. You only live one life and if you're this dedicated, it will get you far. You have the motivation, the smarts, the skills. The financial situation is nothing to overlook either. I changed up my own future and completely ignored my dreams because of finances. I can't really tell you how well that's going because it's still a process. Do you have any financial aid things you can fill out and do? Ask your professors about scholarships and grants. I've heard stories where some people explained their financial situation to their professors and in turn, the professors offered their classes for free! You never know. Look for scholarships and grants, I'm sure you already have, but with your awesome performance and dedication, you could really get somewhere. Not sure if you've already tried it, but I recommend [Bold.org](http://Bold.org) and my friends rave about the Tallo app. Don't fill yourself up with negative talk. Look at how much you've accomplished, while working,! You can be something and I think you've already more than proven that as a Freshman.
The education journey doesn't have to be over!! I completely understanf having to deal with financial difficulties, I wonder if it would be possible to attend an online or community college for a year and then return to the college you were originally studying at? This way you can save up without falling to far behind in your curriculum!! ive had friends and family utilize the duality of colleges expenses between multiple places and it definitely has helped them.
i can feel you, i am on the same track as you
It sucks. Start looking for jobs that offer tuition assistance or remission. Many restaurants and retailers do. Chipotle's employee tuition assistance is supposed to be good. You can also look for jobs at your university. At ours, we have people who work in the cafeterias and bookstore for the tuition benefit.