NationStates Jolt Archive

Since my junior year of high school, I've been sure engineering was the field for me to pursue. It scores the highest on my skills and interest inventories, and I have my father (a satisfied engineer in his 60s) as a role model. To this end, I enrolled at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania as a Mechanical Engineering major. I haven't finished my first semester, and it already seems that I'm not cut out for college. I am simply unable to get the volume of writing accomplished on time. I remain dead set on a career in engineering, but will be dropping out shortly. I have a number of options still open to me, and I've been discussing them with my family, professors, etc. They all present challenges, e.g., I don't have a driver's license and don't know how to swim. This poll won't make up my mind (I honestly don't trust you all very much :P), but I'm interested in what you think.

Here are my choices in order of decreasing similarity to a 4-year college:

I could go to community college and take the academic path, albeit much more slowly then at Widener.

I could go to trade school and get the training I need to get right into the job market, though at a lower level than if I go to CC.

I could attempt to get an apprenticeship, internship, or low-level position in an engineering firm right off the bat, and get on-the-job training.

I could join the U.S. Navy and get not only trained as an engineer, but get a reasonably safe paying job in my field.

I could join the U.S. Merchant Marine and get similar training to the Navy's, but work as a civilian instead.

I could aim lower and satisfy myself with the fact that so many of today's youth are either overqualified for or underqualified for jobs some might call "menial," and that I would be entering a job market with many sectors dominated by older people who can't afford to work for as low a salary as I can.

I could commit suicide by jumping off the roof of Kirkbride Hall :P


If you have any thoughts to add, be my guest!

6ft of rope, friend.

6ft of rope, friend.

I'd rather jump

I'd have to wear a jacket, though. It's getting cold now.

...but will be dropping out shortly.
DON'T!

DON'T!

I can't hack the writing, and if I can't hack the writing, I can't hack a minimum of 12 credits per semester to be a resident. If I fail a course rather than withdraw, I can't take it again anywhere but at Widener. Leaves me in a tight spot, and the stress will kill me if I don't get out. Not "be unbearable," or "extremely hard," but it will kill me. I don't want to die because I played a game of chicken with a university. :P

What should I do with my life?

Resort to cannibalism.

Become my prophet and spread word of my greatness throughout your native land.

Since my junior year of high school, I've been sure engineering was the field for me to pursue. It scores the highest on my skills and interest inventories, and I have my father (a satisfide engineer in his 60s) as a role model. To this end, I enrolled at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania as a Mechanical Engineering major. I haven't finished my first semester, and it already seems that I'm not cut out for college. I am simply unable to get the volume of writing accomplished on time. I remain dead set on a career in engineering, but will be dropping out shortly. I have a number of options still open to me, and I've been discussing them with my family, professors, etc. They all present challenges, e.g., I don't have a driver's license and don't know how to swim. This poll won't make up my mind (I honestly don't trust you all very much :P), but I'm interested in what you think.

Here are my choices in order of decreasing similarity to a 4-year college:

I could go to community college and take the academic path, albeit much more slowly then at Widener.

I could go to trade school and get the training I need to get right into the job market, though at a lower level than if I go to CC.

I could attempt to get an apprenticeship, internship, or low-level position in an engineering firm right off the bat, and get on-the-job training.

I could join the U.S. Navy and get not only trained as an engineer, but get a reasonably safe paying job in my field.

I could join the U.S. Merchant Marine and get similar training to the Navy's, but work as a civilian instead.

I could aim lower and satisfy myself with the fact that so many of today's youth are either overqualified for or underqualified for jobs some might call "menial," and that I would be entering a job market with many sectors dominated by older people who can't afford to work for as low a salary as I can.

I could commit suicide by jumping off the roof of Kirkbride Hall :P


If you have any thoughts to add, be my guest!

I am an engineer (structural). I don't know how it is now, but if you are having problems with the first semester of freshman year, it's probably not for you. It gets a lot lot harder.

However this does not mean that you are not cut out for college. Engineering - at least when I was at school - had a much higher course load than many other majors. I have several friends who changed majors, and went on to complete all four years. They were much happier too.

Saying that, I am surprised you have so much writing to do. It was all maths, physics, and physical chemistry in my day.

Become Adam Sandler's Stunt Double.

I can't hack the writing, and if I can't hack the writing, I can't hack a minimum of 12 credits per semester to be a resident. If I fail a course rather than withdraw, I can't take it again anywhere but at Widener. Leaves me in a tight spot, and the stress will kill me if I don't get out. Not "be unbearable," or "extremely hard," but it will kill me. I don't want to die because I played a game of chicken with a university. :P

Get your GE credits at Community College.. that'll give you some time to hash out where you want to go, and cost you less. You can take as many or as few classes as you feel like then, without being dropped from the system. If your college accepted you once, it'll take you back when you re-apply, so long as you didn't flunk out.. but make sure they'll accept the credits. In California, for example, the community college will tell you which schools and programs accept which courses for credit.

Become Adam Sandler's Stunt Double.

Excellent answer!

Become my prophet and spread word of my greatness throughout your native land.

Three questions:

1. What's the source of your greatness? Do you always eat a healthy breakfast?

2. How much will you pay me for being your prophet? Benefits?

3. How long will this position last? Will it end when you die, or will you pass on your position to an heir?



At the moment, I'm leaning toward USN. Besides training, becoming a real man, and a paycheck, I'd get some lifetime benefits. Navy Federal Credit Union will give me and my children great interest rates and loans, and my family can do its shopping at military exchanges and commissaries, where I can buy at cost. Besides that, I could start a tradition of naval service since my dad is retired USNR (O-5, '66 to '93, active '92 to '93). :)

I can't hack the writing, and if I can't hack the writing, I can't hack a minimum of 12 credits per semester to be a resident.
What exactly do you mean by that though?
Are you sure it's not simply a matter of planning your time properly and finding out what time of day you are most productive and get the most stuff done?
And does your university offer support facilities for things like that?

1. What's the source of your greatness? Do you always eat a healthy breakfast?
Most times, I don't actually eat. The source of my greatness is my ability to type semi-legibly at 2 AM and maintain my grades while surviving on 4 hours of sleep and next to no food each night. I also can do this thing where I quit breathing simply out of willing it so.
2. How much will you pay me for being your prophet? Benefits?
I will pay you my eternal gratitude, and I'll put in a good word for you as far as after lifes go. Also, prophets can make it big in the right organization, sure it might be tough now, but in a few years (once the brainwashing is underway) I could probably get you 5-6 wives (or husbands if you like that sort of thing) and a toilet made of gold.
3. How long will this position last? Will it end when you die, or will you pass on your position to an heir?
Who needs an heir? This Jesus guy snuffed it some time ago and people still talk about him. He didn't even have a cool name.
However, in a few years I will begin my search for a spiritual heir whom I can shape into the proper replacement for me when I am gone. She will be greater than even I, and far less merciful.

My father always told me. "Son", he said. "Always keep your options open and never burn your bridges behind you." I think if you were to check with your dad the engineer he might agree that your last option could possibly qualify as a burnt bridge.

The real answer is to stick with it and apply yourself with a greater degree of determination and while you are at it, get some tutoring!

The source of my greatness is my ability to type semi-legibly at 2 AM and maintain my grades while surviving on 4 hours of sleep and next to no food each night.

But can you do it after 1/2 liter of bourbon? That's the real test.

My father always told me.

You know what's funny?

My father always told me, "Don't smoke pot when you're stoned. You don't get any more high, you just get lower on pot."

You know what's funny?

My father always told me, "Don't smoke pot when you're stoned. You don't get any more high, you just get lower on pot."

Isn't it amazing those pearls of truth that span agelessly across time and cannot ever be disputed.

But can you do it after 1/2 liter of bourbon? That's the real test.
When I have money, I can do it under the influence of Vodka. I've also managed to post at 4 AM under the influence of Hellraiser, so I think I'm pretty good at this whol transfering thoughts via a sight based medium of communication thing under strenuous circumstances.

When I have money, I can do it under the influence of Vodka. I've also managed to post at 4 AM under the influence of Hellraiser, so I think I'm pretty good at this whol transfering thoughts via a sight based medium of communication thing under strenuous circumstances.


Then you already are the Once and Future King.

Wait a minute.... we have a merchant marine? :confused:

Damn.. you learn something new every day I guess.

Then you already are the Once and Future King.
True dat.

Wait a minute.... we have a merchant marine? :confused:

Yes ... we did set the Wayback Machine for 1910, after all. Maybe you missed a memo.

True dat.

Best. Reply. Evar.

Incidently, do your Fornits demand human sacrifice?

Yes ... we did set the Wayback Machine for 1910, after all. Maybe you missed a memo.
i don't get it

i don't get it

You don't want to. *shifty*

i don't get it

Mr. Peabody.. remember? Too young for Bullwinkle?

Mr. Peabody.. remember? Too young for Bullwinkle?

Damnit ... forgot what crowd I'm in ... maybe I should make a Fairly Oddparents reference .......

Damnit ... forgot what crowd I'm in ... maybe I should make a Fairly Oddparents reference .......

Now that one would throw me... my pop-cultural radar spans from about 1930-1994, and not a day afterward.. :p

homie I am paying my way through college while living at home and it is hard, next semester I dropping from 12 credits (5 classess) to 5 credits just so I can get more money to pay things off. Anyhow I voted for suicide but to be honest I would suggest community college. If you just jumped into Univ and aren't giving yourself a break well..dude you need to. I am planning to go hiking tons this summer because it will be one of the last summers I will have even the CHOICE to work or play. So I say (1) comm college and then (2) hard hard hard work maybe even Merchant Marine

Now that one would throw me... my pop-cultural radar spans from about 1930-1994, and not a day afterward.. :p

Well I've got some kids ... they have those new fangled shows.

Well I've got some kids ... they have those new fangled shows.

Yeah, I figured.. that's a definite advantage.. :)

Best. Reply. Evar.
Yet more proof of my divinity.
Incidently, do your Fornits demand human sacrifice?
We think that human sacrifice is immoral excepting the love slaves that I bestow upon my chosen servants, but they don't really get killed so that's cool.

my work ethic sucks; I need to be "forced" to really exert myself right now, the way a nerd is "forced" to participate in P.E. to some extent. that's why i wanna swab the deck

my work ethic sucks; I need to be "forced" to really exert myself right now, the way a nerd is "forced" to participate in P.E. to some extent. that's why i wanna swab the deck
Fits perfect with the life of a Prophet. You continually follow my directives of where to go and which peoples to preach to, and all you have to do is shut the fuck up and speak my word where I demand.

Myrth.














Really... what the hell kind of poll is this? Every self-respecting poll has a myrth option.

Myrth.

Really... what the hell kind of poll is this? Every self-respecting poll has a myrth option.

My poll respects itself and has a realistic body image.

What the hell is this "Myrth option" I keep hearing about?
I think it's enough that I put "suicide" there to let idiots and pessimists (not that I haven't thought about how to do it :P) express themselves

I don't remember if I like Myrth anyway :/

Fits perfect with the life of a Prophet. You continually follow my directives of where to go and which peoples to preach to, and all you have to do is shut the fuck up and speak my word where I demand.
I'll do it for $24,000 a year, man
Is that acceptable, or is it the toilet or nothing? 'Cuz I dunno how long it would take to earn the toilet...

My poll respects itself and has a realistic body image.

What the hell is this "Myrth option" I keep hearing about?
I think it's enough that I put "suicide" there to let idiots and pessimists (not that I haven't thought about how to do it :P) express themselves

I don't remember if I like Myrth anyway :/

I think your poll is in denial of its true inner self-loathing.

It doesn't matter if you like Myrth or not. Suicide makes too much sense, whereas answering "Myrth" is just very pleasantly random.

I think your poll is in denial of its true inner self-loathing.

It doesn't matter if you like Myrth or not. Suicide makes too much sense, whereas answering "Myrth" is just very pleasantly random.
I figure the idiots who vote Myrth will be satisfied with "suicide"
after all, my poll is here for a reason

if you just want to click on things, click a banner ad and everything that comes up afterwards

if you just want to click on things, click a banner ad and everything that comes up afterwards
I tried that once, and then a ghost climbed out of my TV set and ate my soul. I also got AIDS and my computer started spitting peasoup at everyone nearby.

Get your GE credits at Community College.. that'll give you some time to hash out where you want to go, and cost you less. You can take as many or as few classes as you feel like then, without being dropped from the system. If your college accepted you once, it'll take you back when you re-apply, so long as you didn't flunk out.. but make sure they'll accept the credits. In California, for example, the community college will tell you which schools and programs accept which courses for credit.
Amen!

Make sure whatever do, its fully credited. This this one college thing in my town that suckers thousands of people into their program and gives them credits no college will accept when they want to transfer to the big time. But then again, thats Michigan, and were trying to keep the edjamakated from moving out. You can also get some more work experience, save money, and just hang out with your mates (that is, if they haven't moved out of town for college or universtiy).

The service is also an option, but the way the world is right now, that might end up being a burnt bridge too, only you didn't torch it. :(

I'll do it for $24,000 a year, man
I wish I had $24,000 a year to spend on things like prophets. This is one of those things that you have to sacrifice a bit to get in on the ground floor of and then devote yourself to moving the organization up in the world. At some point in the future you can pull a Donald and start naming everything after yourself and getting TV roles in spite of a complete lack of appeal.
Is that acceptable, or is it the toilet or nothing? 'Cuz I dunno how long it would take to earn the toilet...
How long it takes depends on how long it takes us to get decently underway. We'll need a good amount of followers before we can start tossing around golden toilets.

GEORGE BUSH DOESN'T CARE

I wish I had $24,000 a year to spend on things like prophets. This is one of those things that you have to sacrifice a bit to get in on the ground floor of and then devote yourself to moving the organization up in the world. At some point in the future you can pull a Donald and start naming everything after yourself and getting TV roles in spite of a complete lack of appeal.

ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE

How long it takes depends on how long it takes us to get decently underway. We'll need a good amount of followers before we can start tossing around golden toilets.

It would help if you could share some of your gospel with me right here

It would help if you could share some of your gospel with me right here
It can be quite easily assembled from the various things I have said here, held together by some pseudo-Libertarian ideas and a healthy amount of sociopathy.
Also remember that the first and superior race are the Killer Whales, and that Jesus was a Killer Whale, and that all of human events are created exclusively ffor the entertainment of some other race, probably the Killer Whales.
A few quick things, that might help:
The Role of Myrth and Chuck Norris in the Cosmos (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9935188&postcount=11)
The Role of Fillys in life (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9934839&postcount=6)
The Proof of the Heresy inherent in Coffee Mugs (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9933358&postcount=31)
The Lesser Saints of my Pantheon (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9931192&postcount=13)
The Importance of Creating New Foods (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=454103&page=2)
My Basic Characteristics (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9927171&postcount=26)
Killer Whale Jesus Part I (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9924393&postcount=17)
Killer Whale Jesus Part II (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9924469&postcount=27)

my work ethic sucks; I need to be "forced" to really exert myself right now, the way a nerd is "forced" to participate in P.E. to some extent. that's why i wanna swab the deck
I'm the same...but the pressure of having due-dates come close make me work. You can do the same.