Please don't judge me!

[CollegeStudent7]

I have stayed out of the CS7 drama, but I feel so compelled to respond to allow everyone to take a step back and realize that while all the opinions voiced here may be right on the money, this board is still a forum for support. That being said those that have been here for a long time have seen members come and go that take far more than they ever give back. Some because they are not serious or some just because they like the "power" they feel to pick fights or cause strife in the community. Think of this as a dysfunctional family at Christmas dinner!

I do see that a lot of members tried to help CS7 when she first arrived. But as it became obvious that she wasn't serious and committed, but kept posting relentlessly without taking any of the advice she was offered it has started to wear away at the generosity of those members that offered their time and help. I can understand that. But it is possible to ask questions, be unsure of your final degree, but still make progress, at a minimum taking Gen Ed classes that ANY degree will need. I finished 18 credits in one month and many here have done that in day or a week. So yes, some progress should be made by someone who is serious about the pursuit of their degree.

I can also understand if she has had medical problems, but that isn't an excuse for not progressing either. During the time I was finishing my AS degree and my BSLS, which took a total of 8 months for both. I was unemployed as the primary income earner (stress) and diagnosed with thryoid cancer. I had to have surgery last June and my medications are still not regulated. Heck, I have fallen asleep during DSST exams as a result! Since then I have finished my BSHS and am halfway through my MHA. I went back to work full-time a few months before I finished my BSLS in 2010.

I have two young kids at home as well, so while I don't find CS7's excuses valid for most of the people here as a reason to not be doing something constructive, she just may not be able to multi-task or she may just not be mature enough to take the leap or she may be a drama queen here for her own fun. Whatever the reason, I think everyone who has tired of trying to help, should be entitled to feel that way without being slammed. Everyone who wants to run to her aid now, feel free. But realize that saying any of her reasons are reason enough to not make progress are not going to fly here with those of us that are working through may adverse situations in our life but we are making progress and moving forward.

Maybe CS7 needs to be in a more traditional B&M school environment with counselors and advisors who can test her abilities and guide her through the maze of educational opportunities, but this forum is for the non-traditional students that must rely on the knowledge and guidance of those that have gone before, but there is a limit to how much you can expect people to give without seeing any type of benefit in the time spent.

I don't think I did anything any differently than most members here. I also like to think that I have contributed to helping many other members find their way to their degrees. I just think that since so much time is being invested in CS7's degree success by the members here, she needs to put forth at least the same amount of effort and I haven't seen that from any of her posts. At some point everyone needs a swift kick in the pants to get into gear and move on, I think that is all the members here are trying to provide.

Please keep an open mind and don't slam other members here for trying to provide constructive criticism. This can sometimes be more beneficial than any other advice one can give. I love this community and would hate to think someone who isn't using the community for its intended purpose and to their benefit would cause problems within the membership. We are here to support one another, even if the medicine is a little hard to take at times!

I just don't understand why you had to open a can of worms again and why this couldn't have been sent to my inbox. I understand being challenged and those who wish to help and don't expect anything of anyone, but sometimes it crosses the line into being immature and cruel.

I find it odd that you seriously wrote an essay about this and the thread had already moved way far past this. You're entitled to your opinions.

I hope that I'm in a position to help others, someday, and I know I will not act like a school aged child and gang up on them be rude with them and then cover it up as me giving them "tough love". We're adults and accountable for the way we behave and there are much bigger things to be upset about. I'm glad you were able to get that off your chest.