Well my theory is the earlier in life you catch them the easier it is to fix it. Some habits, thoughts, feelings get so deeply rooted that it can take years to fully recover. I don't think any parent intentionally does it to their kids, but I think that my parents went in with the best of intentions but when I hit 11 I felt pretty much disconnected from them and any real friends and it took me a long time to kinda bounce back from it and get my self esteem back up to par.

My older person comment was totally directed toward Chi, lol. I need to specify better.

Your logic is totally sound, Izumi, and I honestly think that you could do really well with a counseling degree working with at risk kids. Perhaps an at risk school or even foster children.

*is agreeing with Steel* <3

That would be at a BA level right? Or is it a Masters for that? :/ I think once I get my Associates I will have to find a job for the time being and settle for part time school. I don't think Aaron and I will be able to scrape by for me to go full time to school and get my certification. Not to mention I'll be doing a lot of traveling and will need money for my own car.

Long term goals are what makes life worthwhile though. :3

For sure a bachelors. Whether or not you'll need a Masters depends on the facility. But you can definitely do daycare work and work on your bachelors at the same time.

Counseling requires a Master's, BUT. But, you can be a Behavioral Health Professional with a Bachelor's. If you want to pursue this, you may want to speak to an academic adviser now with your potential intents. Tell them what you'd like to do and see what happens.

BHPs are the ones who can work one on one with children (and others of course) with behavioral problems with set goals. For example, my friend was able to work with a small child with both Autism and mental retardation over the summer. Together they set goals to help his social skills, to get him to open up emotionally, to get him to better mind his parents, etc.

The parents were floored with the work she did. He was a completely different child, and he really wants to spend this summer with her, too. And to boot, BHPs can also get their gas reimbursed for traveling to houses and stuff. :3

Sounds like an awesome idea.

I'm absolutely loving my Psych class, and I love any courses that have a humanistic side to them. Like I could SO take Bioethics or Social Problems class and I would just be sitting there soaking up the lectures and learned material. I find subjects like that interesting. :3

Edit: CHI! I'm ENVIOUS!!! What kind of program did you friend have to do????

I don't know if I dare change my major again...Aaron might want to come after me. He wants me to set a goal and then just fricken do it. :gonk:

I'm looking for a change myself. I was thinking of medical transcription - lame I know.

Faux - not lame at all!! I gave it serious consideration!!

But you know I *really* want to do something that makes lives better, somehow.

I know what you mean. But jobs like that don't pay much... sad isn't it.

Like teachers! Why do they get paid so little - we trust them to teach and with the lives of our children!

My friend and I are in the same program. She worked over the summer and was able to because she had Senior standing with the college. I could do that right now if I wanted to, but I really want the counseling degree.

If I weren't pregnant, I would be considering doing BHP work while in school. But, me thinks my hands will be full come September. :XD

Faux, that's not lame. And in the end, it's not about the money. It's about fulfillment. <3

You know the fact that I can go home and feel good about myself and feel like I have changed someone's life for the better would far outweigh any money I could be paid.

Money is for paying bills.

Indeed. Izumi, you should talk to an advisor, though. You may be able to take courses in your Associate's degree that would apply to a bachelor's degree for a BHP (which is an awesome, awesome suggestion, Chi!)

Yes it is, Chi. Thanks for giving me the inspiration. Now to approach husband. I mean it's still along a similar wavelength. I think though Aaron doesn't want me to count on being able to go to graduate's school right now and focus on that associates. :/

And remember, Izumi, you can pitch it to Aaron that you can do a Bachelor's part time. The beauty of college is that it's designed to be at YOUR pace. Maybe he will support it more if you can keep working entirely throughout. :yes: A BHP would have a much better chance in the job market, and I think minimum is $450 a week (if you need to pitch that to him).

I guess ultimately it depends on financial aid. :gonk: *kicks expenses*

But check your options. Ask how many classes are online, too. I was able to take an entire semester off from commuting while doing classes from home. It helped keep my sanity.

Sanity - I could use some of that!

I have none to spare, otherwise I would share. D:

Totally overrated, Faux. :P Cute avatar, by the way.

Yah I pitched it to him and he's like remember when you finish your associates, it's MY turn to work on my education. So once I get my Associates it will be a matter of balancing a job and working on that BA. I'll have to find a way around it but I'm sure it's doable. I think that would ultimately be a wonderful profession to be in. Stressful at times, but I think being able to help a child learn healthy social skills, coping skills, and liaison with parents to make sure that they are given the skills to cope with their children and help them grow.

*nodnod*

As this is your first semester back, I highly highly HIGHLY advise meeting with an adviser and telling them your long term goal. Tell them an Associates is needed right now but you wanna check your options. It would suck if you got an Associates and then had to get a Bachelor's by doing 4 more years because of the classes not taken during your Associates.

But they know your program far better than I ever would. Don't be afraid to ask questions, that's what they're there for. It would just suck if you ended up having to go 6 years when all you really want is to be a BHP.

Thankies - *lol* I was just about to change it....

And Chi gives good advice! <3

*totally agrees with Chi*

I'm sure whatever you change it too will be equally awesome, Faux.

I was so happy when I got this sugar cookie today! I wanna use it! I originally tried to dress like the sugar cookie -*lol*

I'm coming here for Chi advice from now on - <333

:XD Awww.

I'm just so adamant on getting full advising early since my first adviser really led me astray. I ended up wasting 12 credits of electives when I could have been taking something else. I'm not suffering for it now, mind, but I would have made better choices if I had been educated on my university's program.

Hehe, I AM SUGAR COOKIE! RARR! :P

Chi gives fabulous advice. And I give fabulous random facts.