Well took a leap
 

Registered for college classes this fall. Going for information system tech. I work for walgreens dist. now, but the manual labor is starting to catch up fast. Out of all my class's I have 1 I am worried about "speech" Ever since my first attack last year, I dont speak to well, and have developed a slight stutter when nervous. Whats next......

Work 8 hours days + very hard class's = stress YAY

Good luck, Brandon. I hope you enjoy your classes.....I admire you for taking this on. Anything to do with computers is probably a smart choice nowadays. I know how to get my email and post on this forum - I'm good with that!! I'll leave it up to you to know how it all works!! :)

Excellent! You'll do fine, you'll surprise even yourself at all you will be able to accomplish in school. Keep us posted on your progress. :)

Wooo Hooo !!!
 

Brandon,

That is awesome!

Good for you!

Take it slow and do not put coursework pressure on yourself. It is OK to take one class at a time, and in many cases, it is one of the best things that you can do.

Education is not a race, but rather a gift. Each day you learn something new you will experience a great sense of accomplishment.

We are all here to add support during your quest, so keep us informed and always ask questions.

-Vic

Im looking to do around 9-10 credit hours per semester. Thats 3 class's which isnt to bad. Ive always been working on computers since high school. being 26 now I need something diffrent. This is a 2 year program, but will transfer to a university then.

You'll do just fine, Brandon! Good for you for taking the "leap".

Just rest when you get time and do keep us posted.

http://dl.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1...jndpxabtet.gif

Best of luck to you. Wow.. wish i had the energy you do. Let us know how you do.

Good for you Brandon! Don't forget to ask the college to provide accomodations for you if needed like extra time for testing, etc. Jim utilized all of them while in college.

Congratulations! Going back to school was one of the best things I have ever done. It really made me feel empowered to fight back against this stinking disease.

Good on you! You can't lose anything with an education.:)

i was outside today smoking and had a weird though. I think it is very weird that I am so worried about speech class, when I am looking forward to all these high tech class's. Does anyone else other than me find this weird?

:You-Rock: That's awesome! Being able to do what you want in the future and have an easier job. Very smart. You might want to let your speech class professor know about your health issues. If they see you trying your best I'm sure they'll pass you.

Good Luck..
 

Brandon,

I am there with you on that one, I start my second year of grad school in Aug. and I'm nervous as heck. Do you have a disability resource center at your school? I signed up with UGA for one, and the specialist actually contacted me yesterday.

They will give me extra time for exams, I can have my books put on huge PDF files, and also on my IPOD to listen to my books b/c I told her my vision could get bad during the year. I can have the UGA transport me if needed and she will send a letter to me to give to all my professors knowing I have a disability (but most of them already know me and that I have MS)..

I was really nervous about the disability center and having a "label" but now that I think about it, it'll be good support and it's not any different than my sons I.E.Ps and the support they get at school.

If you need anyone to complain to about school ;) I'm there.. I have to do another year of school, 3 kids, an internship at a hosp, and a grad. assistantship of 13 hours.. hope that saying is true, that which doesn't kill you.. makes you stronger :eek: Good Luck!!

Monique

You have my support and admiration, Brandon. :cool:

Just be sure and pace yourself. The disability resource center is very helpful. It tried that when I thought about going back a couple years after dx. I chickened out.

Don't focus on the speech, you'll get through it. It's a common fear, but you can overcome it. Look at your courage to change your llife. Great news, thanks for sharing.

:hug:

It's a funny thing, Brandon, most of us are willing to take on the world, but still freak out over public speaking. I hate to say it, but, imagining people in their underwear does nothing for your confidence.

Your best bet is to write your speeches about something that genuinely interests you. It will be easier and more comfortable to simply deliver your thoughts on the topic before your audience. There are two major public speaking mistakes I have seen dozens of times: 1) Don't try to memorize an essay verbatim and then call it a speech. 2) If your primary points don't all fit typed and widely-spaced on one sheet of paper that sits on the podium, start over with your preparation.

Public speaking is easiest when you are passionate & comfortably knowledgeable about your topic and can simply explain the "what" "who" "when" "how" "why" facts.

A good way to practice is to borrow an elementary aged kid and explain something to him. Write down all of his questions from the explanation and use those as an outline to fill in your blanks. It's much simpler than we tend to make it seem in our fearful imaginations.;)

I talked to my uncle today and he told me he took speech last year. My unle has a stuttering problem at times. He passed it with a "a" so ill get over it.

Brandon, I wish you all the luck in the world in your courageous venture..:hug: