Living After College Disappointment

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In summary, the conversation revolves around the question of whether life is fair or not, with one person sharing their personal experience of dealing with a severe spinal cord injury. They urge the person who is feeling crushed over not getting into their desired grad school to gain perspective and be grateful for their health and the opportunities they have. Others chime in with their own perspectives and offer encouragement. The conversation ends with someone sharing their own journey of going back to school later in life.
  • #1
lou6
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I mean things happen in life. Is't fair that things happened in 2 years of college will destroy everything? I was aiming for a good Grad School. I feel crushed now, what do you think?
 
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  • #2
Take a deep breath. Then tell us what happened, so we can better help you. There are millions of choices out there, don't give up yet!
 
  • #3
lou6 said:
I mean things happen in life. Is't fair that things happened in 2 years of college will destroy everything? I was aiming for a good Grad School. I feel crushed now, what do you think?

Do you mean is it fair that you happened to be born in an age and country in which you're almost guaranteed to live a happy, health life until you're 75 instead of a country in South Africa with an HIV infection rate of 25%?

No. It's not fair.

Don't stress the small stuff. (it's all small stuff)

As said above, take a deep breath and gain some perspective.
 
  • #4
I agree with Huckmank,

People deal with much worse, my life was crushed, everything taken from me, and yet here I am still doing what I planned on doing before someone was reckless and broke my neck and yet they didn't have a scratch on them.

Ever wake up and realize you can't move anything from your chest down at the age of 19 and hear someone say you'll never walk again?

Or how about the extreme neurological pain when someone touches your skin or moves any of the hairs on your body it feels like a knife cutting through your skin?

How crushed would your dreams seem then? When your not thinking about the future because your deciding if you still want to even stay alive let alone finish your schooling.

Luckily I am walking again and have recovered exceptionally from where I started but I know several people who didn't.

People who have to breathe through a machine and talk through typing the rest of their life, and yet they still went to grad school despite all their misfortunes.

Is life unfair? Hell yes it is, feel lucky you don't deal with what other people have to deal with every day of their life.

So before you think your life sucks or life is unfair, google all the side effects of what Spinal Cord Injury will do to your body and feel happy you can live a normal life.

Sorry if this sounds harsh but it had to be said, I hear too many people complain about the littlest of things and can't believe its happening to them. I can't believe I'm not getting into my grad school of choice! ahh life is over!:rolleyes:
 
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  • #5
Very well said, Mr. Coffee.
 
  • #6
It's natural to feel frustrated with life going south. Usually with experience of such things one will understand the more extreme cases, and make your own situation seem insignificant. You just have to deal with it, sort things out and go from there.

I could write a whole book about why my life was so unfair. I'm sure it would move a tear in some people's eyes, but so what? What happened happened.

Good luck.
 
  • #7
Life is unfair. The sooner you come to grips with this, the happier you will be.
 
  • #8
lou6 said:
I mean things happen in life. Is't fair that things happened in 2 years of college will destroy everything? I was aiming for a good Grad School. I feel crushed now, what do you think?

You know, you can always retake your undergraduate degree if you really want to go to grad school.
 
  • #9
Thanks guys. You're right mr_coffee and huckmank. I can't add anything.
 
  • #10
lou6 said:
Thanks guys. You're right mr_coffee and huckmank. I can't add anything.

Just so you feel better. I worked tech support and delivered pizzas until I was 25 and decided to go to school. I went to CC for 1 1/2 years and then transferred into a top 10 engineering program. I'm on track to get my BS at 30 :bugeye: and my JD at 33! So try not to feel too down on yourself, it's never too late to recover and do well. Maybe you could do your MS at a less prestigious dept, excel and then apply to do your Ph.D. at a more highly regarded university.
 
  • #11
mr_coffee said:
I agree with Huckmank,

People deal with much worse, my life was crushed, everything taken from me, and yet here I am still doing what I planned on doing before someone was reckless and broke my neck and yet they didn't have a scratch on them.

Ever wake up and realize you can't move anything from your chest down at the age of 19 and hear someone say you'll never walk again?

Or how about the extreme neurological pain when someone touches your skin or moves any of the hairs on your body it feels like a knife cutting through your skin?

How crushed would your dreams seem then? When your not thinking about the future because your deciding if you still want to even stay alive let alone finish your schooling.

Luckily I am walking again and have recovered exceptionally from where I started but I know several people who didn't.

People who have to breathe through a machine and talk through typing the rest of their life, and yet they still went to grad school despite all their misfortunes.

Is life unfair? Hell yes it is, feel lucky you don't deal with what other people have to deal with every day of their life.

So before you think your life sucks or life is unfair, google all the side effects of what Spinal Cord Injury will do to your body and feel happy you can live a normal life.

Sorry if this sounds harsh but it had to be said, I hear too many people complain about the littlest of things and can't believe its happening to them. I can't believe I'm not getting into my grad school of choice! ahh life is over!:rolleyes:
Wow. You are strong.
 
  • #12
huckmank said:
Just so you feel better. I worked tech support and delivered pizzas until I was 25 and decided to go to school. I went to CC for 1 1/2 years and then transferred into a top 10 engineering program. I'm on track to get my BS at 30 :bugeye: and my JD at 33! So try not to feel too down on yourself, it's never too late to recover and do well. Maybe you could do your MS at a less prestigious dept, excel and then apply to do your Ph.D. at a more highly regarded university.

Thanks! I hope the best for all of you!
 

FAQ: Living After College Disappointment

How common is "Living After College Disappointment"?

Unfortunately, "Living After College Disappointment" is a common experience for many recent graduates. Studies have shown that up to 69% of college graduates experience some form of disappointment after college.

What are some common reasons for "Living After College Disappointment"?

There are many reasons that can contribute to "Living After College Disappointment." Some common ones include difficulty finding a job in their desired field, financial struggles, feeling unprepared for the "real world," and a lack of fulfillment in their career or personal life.

How long does "Living After College Disappointment" typically last?

The duration of "Living After College Disappointment" can vary for each individual. For some, it may only last a few months, while for others it can last several years. It ultimately depends on the individual's coping mechanisms and ability to adapt to their new post-college life.

Is there a way to overcome "Living After College Disappointment"?

Yes, there are ways to overcome "Living After College Disappointment." It's important to acknowledge and address your feelings, seek support from friends and family, and set realistic goals for yourself. Additionally, finding a mentor or seeking professional help can also be beneficial in overcoming this experience.

Are there any long-term effects of "Living After College Disappointment"?

While everyone's experience is different, "Living After College Disappointment" can have some long-term effects. These can include a delay in career progression, lower self-esteem, and a negative outlook on life. However, with the right support and coping mechanisms, these effects can be overcome and individuals can move on to a fulfilling and successful life after college.

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