Wow of all the blogs that I have read, this is by far the one that pulled at my heart strings. I (Thank God) have not had to deal with any sort of traumatic experiences that would cause me to drop out of school. But I have spoken with many students in my class, hallway, SRC and just waiting in line for anything and was blown away by some of the stories they have to say. It's amazing to see how much most people have to say if they just have a sound board to talk to.
In my English 1102 class, on the first day we did an exercise call “Icebreakers.” It was a fun class activity where all the students answered some questions about themselves: Where are you from? What degree are you pursuing? How long have you been in school? The last book you read? And last, a wild card question? Which meant another student could ask an appropriate question about anything. I found that it was a great team building exercise and I feel that a lot of us classmates have come closer and are able to talk in class and share more ideas openly without an awkward feeling.
Outside on a break from a 3 hour class, I was talking to a guy who is in my English 1102 class. He mentioned in the icebreakers that he had 3 kids. He looked really young, so I asked him how old he was. I was shocked to find out that his oldest is 5 and he has a set of twin girls 2 years old. The guy is 21 and is raising the kids on his own. The mother of the 3 ran off because “it got too hard”. This guy amazes me that he is in school, raising 3 kids on his own, and works to support them all. I hope to be that strong if and when I have to encounter such a hard time.

WOW! That was an incredible read. It definitely highlights the kinds of traumatic events a student faces in day-to-day life. Most importantly, it emphasizes will power and when something is important, nothing can bring them down or hold them back. This just reminds me to be extremely grateful for not having to face such horrific circumstances and to avoid making excuses for petty situations. This was an eye-opener.

I understand how people’s misfortunes can interfere with their schooling. In college, all I see is my goal, and anything interfering with what I want in life is removed. Everyone goes through phases, but one thing I’ve learned is that emotions are short, and in minutes you can have different feelings. I believe that is what helps us college students get through college.

When people are focused on a goal (like school), nothing can deter them from achieving that goal unless they let it.The whole city could be on fire and I bet some of your students still come to class. The obstacles faced on your educational journey are not par for the course, but just hiccups in the heavy breathing race for higher education. I like that perspective. It works.

Hi Kris,
I'm enjoying reading some of your posts, however, I particularly liked this one. Being a student, I can really relate to this. Last year I had to do some medical treatments. The doctor recommended I keep a light schedule, but what can I say, I've always been a busy body. I had school, work, dance; I was coaching cheer at a middle school, and attempting to maintain a social life on top of the groggy side effects. It was hard. But as difficult as it was for me to keep up, it was more important that I continue to do the things that are important to me. I'm happy to say that today I am healthy, and a stronger person because of it! For everyone else, never give up (I know it sounds cheesy)!