Okay, so i think it’s been half a year since i’ve last posted on this thing. But, quite a bit of things have happened this past month. After thinking it over for the longest time, I’ve made the decision to transfer out of El Camino for fall of 2011. My plan is to transfer out with an associate’s degree in physics and engineering. I’ve already signed TAG agreements with uci and ucsd, and now waiting to fill out college apps. But, I should probably talk about why this was such a tough decision.
So, for the past two years, my mom has been unemployed and hasn’t been able to find work. I live with my mom and have noticed how much she’s been struggling to make a living off just unemployment checks and my dad’s child support money for my brother. Well, recently I found out that my mom just stopped receiving unemployment checks because she’s reached her limit. She’s already told me that we are in deep financial trouble if she doesn’t find a job quick. So, rent is due at the beginning of every month, and my mom has yet to pay it, because she just can’t afford it now. She has asked me if I could pay it, and as much as I’d like to, I am not working right now either, and have already lent her $1100 for rent before. Also, she does not want to move back to my grandparent’s house being stubborn as she is. The problem is I want to work, but my schedule simply won’t allow me to, since i am at school from 10am to 5pm on mondays and wednesdays, and 10am to 11pm on tuesdays and thursdays. Leaving early mornings and fridays, saturdays, and sundays to catch up on my workload. Not only this, but I also try to find time to be with Lori, since she is going through a tough time right now with her dad’s health problems.
The other side of this is that I had promised Lori, I’d stay three years, just to help her out with school and stuff, but as of right now, it isn’t possible. I’m all done with my general ed requirements by spring and have nothing really to take next year if I stay, and in this financial situation, I can’t afford to waste another year down here. My plan is to work during the winter this year and summer and also when I transfer out to help pay for my education along with applying for financial aid and scholarships. I have also thought about taking a year off and working full-time, but I feel if I do that, I won’t be able to do well when I do go back. Not only that, but in spring, I plan on taking two physics courses and general chem , which will take up most of my time. I just wish I could see what the future has in store for me.
The thing that makes me mad though is that my mom isn’t trying her best to find a job….She goes out almost every other day with some friends leaving me to take care of my brother, like feeding him and stuff. Also, having to do the cleaning around my house isn’t helping with all the other stuff i have to deal with this semester. I wish I could just handle both a job and go to school, but I know it’s not possible right now…
So as of right now, I plan on transferring out, get out with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in two years, then go for my master’s. And while in school, hopefully intern somewhere. Seems a little bit too ambitious right now, but I’m going to see where this leads me. I feel ridiculously stressed out right now, not only because of my current situation, but also because this affects my future and my goals.
