today I was told I should drop out of school

**liisa** · 04-20-2001, 09:08 AM

Who the he!! do they think they are????? Today I went to look for some financial aid... getting IC wasn't in my game plan and it's put my budget way out of control. I was told by one jacka$$ in financial aid that I should consider dropping out (he implied that I won't be able to make it). If I didn't want another degree, I wouldn't have enrolled for one - I KNOW I want this degree *argh*. Some people

Now I'm angry enough to want to get it just to show him wrong.

But here is a case where the Centre for Students with Disabilities was great - they don't want me dropping out, they don't think I should drop out

Sometimes it is nice to have someone in your corner, even if that's all they can do

Liisa

***ICNDonna*** · 04-20-2001, 09:13 AM

Hmmmmm --- sounds like something the Centre for Students with Disabilities should know. I doubt they would approve of anyone trying to discourage a student due to a disability.

Donna

**liisa** · 04-20-2001, 09:15 AM

I spoke with the CSD today, I'm meeting with them on Monday (they don't sound too happy about it). I'm not about to drop out... but I don't like the fact that it was suggested - if that had happened to me four weeks ago I just might have dropped out. I felt much better when the CSD gave me some encouraging words this afternoon.

**MelanieJ** · 04-20-2001, 10:03 AM

Liisa!!!!! Give 'em heck! What if they told everyone with a disability to drop out of school?!? Is that legal? I'm so mad for you! Let us know what happens, okay?

Hugs and encouragement to you,
Melanie J.

**moonstar00** · 04-20-2001, 11:56 AM

I'm so sorry you have to go through this, Liisa. School's a big enough pain in the a$$ without such hassles. I'm glad CSD was able to be encouraging. My college's disability services is helping me with housing, so maybe yours can get the whole financial aid thing straightened out for you. I really admire that you're not going to let that jerk bother you so much that you'll drop out. As long as you don't get discouraged, I'm sure you'll do spectacular!

-Jennifer

***Julie B*** · 04-20-2001, 03:16 PM

BOO HISS!!!!!!

I was faced with the same suggestion when I was in college...for a different reason. I was married in my junior year and the following year (I was in a 5 year program) I found out I was pregnant.

I was in a special program for dietetics majors and I was told in NO UNCERTAIN TERMS that me getting pregnant was not welcome. It was suggested several times that I was taking a spot from other "more deserving" students!!!!!

All my classmates stood by me and I graduated with my degree, my credentials, and an 8 month old baby in my lap....

You go for it Liisa....whomever told you that should be fired!

------------------
Hugs, Julie B

jabrd777@aol.com

**Alexa** · 04-21-2001, 04:50 AM

Dear Liisa,
I cannot believe that jerk in financial aid had the NERVE to say anything like that!!! But...I am so proud of your determination and strength to see this through and finish your degree!!! I'm so glad the Centre for Students with Disabilities was so supportive; it's really helpful to have them on your side. Good luck with your meeting on Monday, and let us know how it goes. Let me know if I can help you in any way!

Take care,
Alexa

**Amanda** · 04-21-2001, 06:16 AM

They are WRONG, and never forget that.

Amanda
(an_johnson@tir.com)

**Meghan** · 04-23-2001, 02:00 AM

any updates on the situation?
they are very wrong in their actions.
my college bends over backwards to make modifications for me, which is the law

**liisa** · 04-24-2001, 03:47 AM

Thanks for all of your concern

The centre for students with disabilities has been really helpful and supportive lately. Unfortunately I've had run ins with more people at financial aid who have given me the distinct impression that students who classify as those with disabilities shouldn't be there (that is if they haven't said I shouldn't be there outright). I think going to this university was not one of my wisest choices, but I guess we all have to do that a few times in our lives and just learn from it

CSD has been supportive and my department is being okay right now, so I'll stick it out for the summer, see where it takes me and hopefully that will be three more semesters and a degree

Liisa

**shell** · 04-24-2001, 06:15 AM

Liisa,

It's too bad you are having a bad experience with the financial aid department at your campus and I'm glad the CSD area is helpful. If it's only the financial aid office that you've had problems with, please don't let that color your view of the university as a whole. I work at a college and know that certain departments/people can be difficult, but that doesn't mean your entire experience where you are will be bad.

In your shoes, I think I would find out who financial aid reports to (i.e. VP for student affairs, VP for finance) and send them a note about your experience and disappointment with that office. It's important for the people in charge to be aware of problems in their areas of responsibility in order to make any necessary changes.

I hope things improve for you there. I've had to put my education on hold and can't wait to get back to the classroom. Seeing others with IC achieve their goals gives me more motivation to get back in there.

**MelanieJ** · 04-24-2001, 12:09 PM

Liisa...I agree with Shell. I think someone up on the food chain needs to know how you were treated. Unless someone speaks up about it, they aren't going to have a clue to fix it for the next disabled person.

Shell....I was diagnosed with IC while in my last 1.5 years at Ohio State University. It was tough but I finished with my BA in psych in 3/00. I went back to work full time and even just got a promotion last week. Just wanted to share this with you...there is hope for ICers to get back to a near normal life.

Hugs to you both,
Melanie J.