Hey, I don’t really have anyone to talk to about this, so I’m just putting it here.
I’m 18. I moved to the U.S. a couple years ago from another country. Before that, I was preparing for O-Levels (IGCSE system) for like 2 years, but I never even got to take those exams because of financial/family stuff. Then I came here and started high school.
Fast forward to now—I’m a senior, supposed to graduate soon, but I don’t have enough credits. I’ve already failed multiple marking periods, missed a lot of school, and tried coming back a few times but couldn’t stay consistent. Today I went in, talked to my counselor, and we basically confirmed that even summer school wouldn’t be enough to graduate on time. The only option through that path would be like months more of school + night school, and I’d be way delayed.
So I made the decision to switch to a GED program instead. My counselor literally walked me out of the building today. That was my last day of high school.
Now I’m in this weird state where:
- I had college offers before (with financial aid), but those are basically gone now
- I’m not officially in the GED system yet (waiting for intake)
- I feel like I just exited one system and haven’t entered the next one
- I have no structure suddenly
On top of that, I live with my sister, we’re not financially stable, and I’ve been trying to juggle school, work, gym, and life without much support. My parents are back home and expect me to go to college, so I’m stressed about telling them all this.
Mentally, I feel:
- lost
- guilty but also confused if I should even feel guilty
- overwhelmed thinking about the future
- kind of numb at the same time
I also keep thinking like… there are people my age going through way worse (war, losing family, etc.), and it makes me question everything even more.
Right now my plan is:
- finish GED as fast as possible
- then go to community college and transfer to a 4-year later
But honestly, I don’t even know if I trust myself to stay consistent because I’ve already struggled with that.
If anyone has been in a similar situation or has advice on:
- staying disciplined with GED
- dealing with parents in this situation
- or just getting your head straight after something like this
I’d really appreciate it.
I feel like I’m at a turning point but I don’t know how to handle it.