Dear readers,

I'm 18 years old, I don't live with my parents and haven't been past grade 9 due to personal problems within and without(joining a gang etc). I recently woke up and about a year ago decided to make life changes to my situation seeing as how I don't want to end up in a casket like my other friends are in. I want to go back to school and learn, become and major in Computer Science or Electric Engineer as my father once said I could be.

Growing up for me was hard and harsh. I was a smart person who always tried at one point, till I made it into High school where I met the wrong crowd(unfortunetly) and took a wrong turn in my life dropping out of high school and doing other bad things I shouldn't be doing.

I want to go back to school, is it to late? I'm 18.. I don't know if that plays a factor at all. I try to educate myself but there is so much I can do, I need help, I want to go to College or University. I recently looked up a G.E.D and I think I can do the test, but first, I need to study and hopefully find a tutor / teacher willing to sit down with me and help me till I complete the test and pass it. I just think it would be awkward and wrong for me to sit in a class room with 13-14 year olds when I'm 18.

I've never been past grade 9, so what do you think the odds are of me getting a G.E.D if I try? Do I have to go through High school all over again from grade 9 till 12 or can I simply enroll in a Adult Learning Center that would help me with all the things that I've missed in the past.


Obviously my grammar is probably bad, but please bare with me and give me your honest opinion how my education might be looking at this point. I want to learn..

Its never too late to turn your life around and you can probably do pretty good at a college or university as far as grammar dude Einstein couldn't read or write and he was still classed as a genius you don't have to go back through high school and I agree with the 18-14 thing lol but hey good for you man most people don't realize they screwed up till its too late I would know "uncle" so yeah I say go for it dude

I have volunteered as a tutor, in a faith-based adult education program aimed at teaching people how to take and pass a GED test. There are many such organisations to help you through the process. Check your local adult education facility in your area, and they can give you a referral for a tutor. That GED diploma will open doors for you, that are now closed, and a great way to get started on a new life. I applaud your willingness to better yourself and your life. Good Luck.

mate, its never too late to turn your life around, and it can be an easy thing to do, changing your own life, when you realise that your life is in your own hands, and you can do anything you set your mind too, its such an amazing feeling. good luck, you can go so far, just put the effort in, and have faith that things will go good!

Congratulations on coming to this decision. No, it is not too late. You are pretty young yet and can accomplish your goals. Does your school district have adult education classes? There is such a program here where adults who never made it through high school have the opportunity to complete the course work and receive their diploma. There are also programs for the GED - to prepare you to take the GED. You can check with your local Job Service about that, they should have that information. Or possibly where you live, if they have a voc training facility.

I wish you the very best.

I completely agree with what other have said, and just wish to add one thing - your spelling and grammar are better than 99% of the people on this site.

You seem like a very intelligent, resilient person. I believe in you! By the way, your spelling and grammar are great! Good luck in the future.

Thank you for all of your replys.

Honestly I'm glad I got positive feedback and responses. As my spelling and grammar goes, I was a very smart person when it came down to anything, as I mentioned I tossed it away slowly, I actually tried to be smart when I wanted and self-educated my mind.

I'm in Canada and the society and people that surround me that I don't want to be around make life different. I hope to overcome these obstacles someday, I will.

After reading the replys, I looked up some programs and thought the Adult Learning Center would be best for me and feel it'll help me with a G.E.D. Now, in all honesty, I don't think it'll go so well I might be a little nervous but feel I might be overreacting when I say a G.E.D is for people who at least have some sense and practice of 11-12th grade where as I don't.

Do I need to go through High school once again for a G.E.D? Or would the Adult Learning Center help me with what I'm missing, strictly for the G.E.D and my goals in life.

Thank you for your replys and your encouragement. It's something I've been missing out on all my life, thank you once again.

Sincerely,

A.j

It is absolutely not too late. I've known people with college degrees who don't write as well as you do. Get that GED, apply for college and don't let anything or anybody knock you off track. Most people who fail don't do it because they aren't smart enough, they fail because they don't care enough to stick with it when it gets difficult or boring. Somebody once said, "The purpose of education is to teach people to do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, whether they feel like it or not". Go for it, man. You are so ready.

I do not think you need to go back to high school to get your GED; the Adult Learning Center will help you with the things you need to know in order to pass the exam. I know a lot of people who never even made it into high school but went on to acquire their GED and then college... my Dad! You will do awesome; good luck!

I don't, that's good news!


Again. Thank you for your replys and I greatly appreciate it.

Keep doing what your doing man, all will work out and be on the positive end. I am sure you will achieve the education you want and be a great success

At 18 it isn't too late, if it is then it's wayy to late for me to change my life, and I refuse to accept that for myself and neither should you! Your desire to change is key, you didn't loose your potential to do well, you just made some choices you regret. Your potential to learn and change is still there, and you have new wisdom, you know what you don't want to do (and I hope) how to avoid it in future. Armed with that knowledge you can and should try for a GED.
It is a good step forward towards what ever you dream of being or doing. A good first step: go to the library, talk to a librarian they are great sources of information and libraries often have programs which may help you reach your goal to get a GED and further your education. If you have a teacher you liked at your high school you might want to contact them and see if they can recommend a tutor. Another possibility schedule an interview at your local community college, some one in the registrars office or student services and tell them your plans for the future, they may be able to help you find a tutor and help you to get your GED, looking at notice boards around campus might help too. You can look in to alternative education programs as well. Don't give up, you can do it.

PS. A wonderful book to have if you are interested in writing is The Elements of Style by EB White.

I answered your earlier question, and I wouldn't worry too much about not getting past 9th grade, you said you have educated yourself in the past you can do it again. You are probably better prepared to do so then many who sat in the back of the class and didn't pay attention through 10,11 and 12 grade.

Reach out and make some contacts tomorrow. Call the
Adult Learning Center, go to your local library and make friends with a librarian, get some information on the GED, maybe ask for some books to read to add to what you know, its free, why not? Check out your local community college too see if they have some information. Making three calls or taking one action towards what you want tomorrow will help with those feelings of doubt, and you may meet new people who can help you keep moving forward not backward. Don't give up!

As so many have already helped you AjSuliman with your choice to turn your life around and to get an education.

I just want to say that as long as you are willing to change your life there are unimaginable possibilities waiting for you...

May you find the path to Peace!:)