Going Back to school... tips for success?
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Schedule your classes so they are all on two or 3 days, as mentioned before take the minimum course load. Don't take more than 2 difficult courses per semester. And obviously go to school somewhere near climbing, hopefully your school has a climbing gym |
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Find a school near a resort with old school slow chairlifts, more time to study while skiing |
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Maybe the first time round you went to school, just because it's what you're "supposed to do" after high school? You left feeling a bit aimless? And now you've made a conscious decision to go back with some specific goals in mind? If that's the case then you're set for success! I worked as an engineering consultant for ~5 years after my B.S. and the lifestyle was difficult to say the least. My manager was a disagreeable fellow and new staff only got 10 vacation days per year == almost no time to climb. I opted to pursue a Ph.D. program and it's sparked my creative side again, feels good. To do a Ph.D. in a technical area is to work on a product/application that shows potential but is not presently economically competitive without some advancement and that's where you come in. I think folks might be surprised it's very common to have your tuition fully covered and receive a stipend that covers basic living expenses. Choose a reasonable advisor and life is even better. Reading everyone's posts, the overarching theme is that you need to work hard at school but unlike in certain corporate-type environments, YOU have control over your time and that is truly something to be cherished. So what to do after graduation ?? While I recommend delaying making $$$ as long as possible, inevitably you will have to....... at this point, leverage your top-notch skills acquired in school to negotiate more vacation days, find a good manager, or ...... just work in government !! hah ....... P.S. Good luck, "Irreverent Bastard" ! |
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Know When To Drop Out Approximately 1 in 8 billionaires on the 2018 ranking of the Forbes 400 wealthiest people in America was a college dropout. |
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J W wrote: Of course. But, facetious? No, unless you're one of those "7 out of 8" students in which case yes. 99.9% of those on MP? In that case, know when to stay in college or trade school or the military, whatever. Just pointing out that many fail to see opportunity. Don't be that person. These people knew what you may fail to see. Folks like you would have told them to stay in school. Billionaires: many inherited their wealth. College Students: many are still paying off college debt in their 50s. Many are in crappy jobs. Don't be that person.
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Thanks for all the responses! I wanted the thread to fizzle a bit before I answered all the questions. I’ll do my best to address a couple of the most commonly questions asked. what I’m going to school for: My climbing: I enjoy almost all forms of climbing; sport, alpine, even just bagging peaks, technical or not. Skiing and some snowy suffering in the mountains during the winter as well. I have no intention to go pro… I would like to however stay where I’m at performance wise or continue to get stronger for my personal goals outside. I work as a setter at the local plastic pulling palace so that will help. Local spots: I have a couple solid local areas within 1.5 hours, I’m dead center between the Tetons and The Fins! Monies: Im determined to get through this and prepared to make sacrifices where necessary. The mountains aren’t going anywhere and there will always be more powder days… (at least in my life time ;) ) Thanks again for the responses |
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Irreverent Bastard wrote: Good on ya, mate! |
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Sounds like you’ve got a good idea of what your are passionate about. As someone whos learning style doesn’t fit well in the rigid American education system. A much different experience then those up thread arguing about which job makes them more miserable but more money. A few things that I’ve found to help me get through my, on and off 7 years of undergrad. - most universities offer free mental health therapists. Find a therapist you like and work with them. Being proactive will help minimize any large impacts / work through issues you didn’t know you had. You’ll never have free therapy again! - find a structure / work load that works for you. I like making my calendar at the beginning of each week, working at night, etc. I believe in your ability to complete this hurdle and those beyond! |
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Max R wrote: Absolutely, I work with a program called TRIO that helps non-traditional students (as well as other minority groups) return to learn and succeed. Know that you will find a huge support group (faculty, tutors, other students, focus groups, TRIO, etc…) who want you to succeed if you are willing to be a little vulnerable. Professors are a lot of times the coolest people you can meet and have valuable things to share. Prioritize your mental health ( and I don’t just mean skip class every Friday to ski or climb), but really work on your relationship with yourself and your balance on the world and you will find time to feed your soul. Best of luck!! P.S. Khan Academy is the best!! |
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Wear a condom and have an attorney draw you up a contract which needs signed before any consensual sex. |