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Normally I don't blog about personal problems but this is one I could really use some advice on if possible.
Background
I come from a pretty poor family, my brother and sister both had to pay their own ways through college, the former getting a Doctorate in Criminal Law. I was fortunate enough that my mother became a manager of a casino when we moved to Colorado, so she in turn had money ot fund my Half my Rent + Tuition.
Ever Since i was in 8th grade I planned on a Computer Science Major, it's always been my passion, however I also enjoyed Game Design.
Present =D
Now I ended up attended The Art Institute, originally for Game Design, but it just wasnt my thing so I switched to Web Design seeing as it was 8closer* to a Computer Science Major... Well it's been one year and things are not going so well.
I am a very logical thinker not one who thinks in design etc so classes are very hard for me, even after taking all the basic classes etc I find myself being told by my teacher my design's are constantly lacking, which I agree with. I have absolutely ZERO care for Web Design and no passion for it, and it shows.
I can't stand the classes because I lack any interest in them and this is where the problem arises. So far I owe $7,000 to the school and I've yet to find out how much in loans.
I really want to change colleges to a Computer Sceince Major, but seeing as my college is a private college almost no classes transfer and my payment plan would completely change, along with my FAFSA most likely...
My mother says that I am being extremely selfish with this and that I should stay at The Art Institute, she also blames my lack of liking the school because apparently I have no friends there, which is extremely false to say the least.. I just don't like to go clubbing and what not with them so I refrain form going out and only chill with them at school =.=
So I am asking if I should just stick it through and waste 3 more years on a Major I have no care for because my parent thinks I should, or should I attempt to transfer to what my love and passion is -.- at the cost of some extra debt.
Any opinion is welcomed, and please no troll posting =.=
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On September 07 2011 13:08 Phtes wrote:
So I am asking if I should just stick it through and waste 3 more years on a Major I have no care for, or should I attempt to transfer to what my love and passion is -.-.
you are trolling yourself. just read the tone of your own writing
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thedeadhaji
39489 Posts
Sounds like you hate what you're studying.
Time for a change.
Alternately, consider learning languages and doing open source projects online which are more in line with your interests. You definitely don't need coursework to become good at coding.
Also, your claim that classes from a private school don't transfer doesn't make much sense to me.
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This is entierly not a troll.
You are too late to do shit about the next semester as its already started but you need to look into transfering as soon as possible to a good state college. You will not survive in college or life if you continue trying to get a degree you don't like at all. the financial aid that you should get if your family is that poor (no offence) and your siblings also going to college will help out with that.
You need to transfer as soon as possible. take out the most amount of financial aid you need you computer science pays well.
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Opportunity cost my friend, opportunity cost.
Bare in mind if you complete your degree in an area you dont want to work in, you will eventually have to retrain. In addition, the costs you sink into getting this unwanted degree go beyond just the money. The time and effort are also costs but perhaps most importantly when you do retrain you will be behind those that didn't switch. Their careers will be established and you will be starting out.
I would suggest getting a decent idea of what could be counted as credit elsewhere and working out the monetary costs. Show some initiative and put together a "business case" for moving. You should be able to come up with a compelling argument for the change. Even expected earnings difference could be helpful.
I don't know your parents, but from what I do know, parents want what is best for their kids. Wasting time and money on something that will not benefit you cannot be their choice. I imagine they are concerned that since you have changed degree already, what is going to stop you wanting to change again. Answer that question and you should get their support in allowing you to switch.
Good luck mate!
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On September 07 2011 13:19 thedeadhaji wrote:
Sounds like you hate what you're studying.
Time for a change.
Alternately, consider learning languages and doing open source projects online which are more in line with your interests. You definitely don't need coursework to become good at coding.
Also, your claim that classes from a private school don't transfer doesn't make much sense to me.
The Art Institute's are highly specialzied private colleges that give classes that generally wont transfer to many computer fields...Color Theory lol wut?.... stuff like that, the only classes that have a high chance of transfering are basic general ed =/.
I do alot of open source things as well, and have been a coder for a long time, I actually taught a high school class as well =D
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On September 07 2011 13:19 Probulous wrote:
Opportunity cost my friend, opportunity cost.
Bare in mind if you complete your degree in an area you dont want to work in, you will eventually have to retrain. In addition, the costs you sink into getting this unwanted degree go beyond just the money. The time and effort are also costs but perhaps most importantly when you do retrain you will be behind those that didn't switch. Their careers will be established and you will be starting out.
I would suggest getting a decent idea of what could be counted as credit elsewhere and working out the monetary costs. Show some initiative and put together a "business case" for moving. You should be able to come up with a compelling argument for the change. Even expected earnings difference could be helpful.
I don't know your parents, but from what I do know, parents want what is best for their kids. Wasting time and money on something that will not benefit you cannot be their choice. I imagine they are concerned that since you have changed degree already, what is going to stop you wanting to change again. Answer that question and you should get their support in allowing you to switch.
Good luck mate!
Thank you very good post, I have been meaning to do this and will begin this tomorrow when I head ot school early. Find out how much I owe in loans, & Tuition, what beneifts I'll lose, what I will gain ect.
I think my mother does really want is best for me, where my father is slightly mroe relaxed and wants me to do what I want, not what other wants.
On that note hes even stated that if I ever wanted to take a year off to pursue proffesional gaming, he would let me stay with him xD
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so, paraphrased: "should i continue spending money and making myself miserable so my parents aren't upset or should i pursue something that makes me happy?"
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If you've only done a single year, just transfer somewhere else...
It's obvious you aren't happy doing what you are currently doing, so man up and go for it.
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On September 07 2011 13:26 Phtes wrote:Show nested quote +On September 07 2011 13:19 Probulous wrote:
Opportunity cost my friend, opportunity cost.
Bare in mind if you complete your degree in an area you dont want to work in, you will eventually have to retrain. In addition, the costs you sink into getting this unwanted degree go beyond just the money. The time and effort are also costs but perhaps most importantly when you do retrain you will be behind those that didn't switch. Their careers will be established and you will be starting out.
I would suggest getting a decent idea of what could be counted as credit elsewhere and working out the monetary costs. Show some initiative and put together a "business case" for moving. You should be able to come up with a compelling argument for the change. Even expected earnings difference could be helpful.
I don't know your parents, but from what I do know, parents want what is best for their kids. Wasting time and money on something that will not benefit you cannot be their choice. I imagine they are concerned that since you have changed degree already, what is going to stop you wanting to change again. Answer that question and you should get their support in allowing you to switch.
Good luck mate! Thank you very good post, I have been meaning to do this and will begin this tomorrow when I head ot school early. Find out how much I owe in loans, & Tuition, what beneifts I'll lose, what I will gain ect. I think my mother does really want is best for me, where my father is slightly mroe relaxed and wants me to do what I want, not what other wants. On that note hes even stated that if I ever wanted to take a year off to pursue proffesional gaming, he would let me stay with him xD
Well in that case it should be fine. I think every child has a situation in their life where they have to convince their parents that they are wrong. It is part of growing up. As long as you can prove that you are independent and mature enough to work things out on your own, you should get support.
I learnt that the hard way. The worst thing that can possibly happen is for you to under-estimate your parents. There is no point following their wishes if it makes you resent them. Put forward your ideas as best you can and trust that they will see your point of view.
Sounds like it is time to grow up!
Good luck 
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eh. Mistakes suck but better to accept that you made them than to live in denial any more days.
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On September 07 2011 13:27 benjammin wrote:
so, paraphrased: "should i continue spending money and making myself miserable so my parents aren't upset or should i pursue something that makes me happy?"
You would be amazed what people do to keep their parents happy.
Don't underestimate the pressure of a loving family. It is very hard to disagree with people who have provided the right advice at the right time for your whole life.
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On September 07 2011 13:33 Probulous wrote:
You would be amazed what people do to keep their parents happy.
Don't underestimate the pressure of a loving family. It is very hard to disagree with people who have provided the right advice at the right time for your whole life.
^ This
I take my parents, brother, and above all my Sisters thoughts very highly, and my Mother is really against the switch seeing as she helps me pay for college. My sister is also somewhat against it but also told me to do what I feel is right and not stress (-.-')
My brother though is on the entire other end, he went through college, and even was accepted to the college i'm in but opted out last minute. He says I shouldn't even get a degree if I wanna be a programmer, and that he regrets getting his (hes a CIS major) as the classes taught him nothing he already knew.
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I think she will understand if you try really hard to convince her that you don't want to do arts anymore.
As to how to deal with the problem, I think you have to change school. It sounds like your college does not offer computer science courses at all. However, this means that you probably need another extra 1-2 years to actually get your degree. A long shot, to say the least.
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thedeadhaji
39489 Posts
On September 07 2011 13:33 Probulous wrote:Show nested quote +On September 07 2011 13:27 benjammin wrote:
so, paraphrased: "should i continue spending money and making myself miserable so my parents aren't upset or should i pursue something that makes me happy?" You would be amazed what people do to keep their parents happy. Don't underestimate the pressure of a loving family. It is very hard to disagree with people who have provided the right advice at the right time for your whole life.
I am so ridiculously guilty of this 
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thedeadhaji
39489 Posts
On September 07 2011 13:22 Phtes wrote:Show nested quote +On September 07 2011 13:19 thedeadhaji wrote:
Sounds like you hate what you're studying.
Time for a change.
Alternately, consider learning languages and doing open source projects online which are more in line with your interests. You definitely don't need coursework to become good at coding.
Also, your claim that classes from a private school don't transfer doesn't make much sense to me. The Art Institute's are highly specialzied private colleges that give classes that generally wont transfer to many computer fields...Color Theory lol wut?.... stuff like that, the only classes that have a high chance of transfering are basic general ed =/. I do alot of open source things as well, and have been a coder for a long time, I actually taught a high school class as well =D
Ah I see
Too bad about not being able to transfer a lot of the credits, but tbh if you transfer into a solid state school program, your coursework at the current college will surely help you out in terms of knowledge and ability (which in the end is what matters).
The bottom line is that you have 40+ years ahead of you as a professional, and you MUST do what you love. I've written about this issue here: (I relly don't want to link to an external site but for the sake of brevity, I'm going to do it anyways)
You shouldn't break the bank (ex: 60K / year at Columbia) for a college degree, but if you can get away with a low 5 figure tuition + grants & aid, doing something you love with people who are also interested in your interests will pay off in the long run. Software is in HUGE demand especially where I live (silicon valley), and you will have no problem finding a high 5 figure starting salary position if you're good at what you do. But if you hate your studies, you will suck at your "expertise", and you're going to be failing on multiple fronts.
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Yeah listen to the Haji (though technically he shouldn't be able to type, all I ask for is consistency)
The thing is, you really have to show that you are committed. Put in the effort and prove to those around you that, not only do you believe this is the right choice, but that you are willing to make it happen. You might be surprised at how receptive they can be.
PS, if your parents are wine-drinkers, a good bottle and a nice dinner before your chat is a must. Preparation is key 
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thedeadhaji
39489 Posts
On September 07 2011 14:43 Probulous wrote:
Yeah listen to the Haji (though technically he shouldn't be able to type, all I ask for is consistency)
lol I love this kind of dry humor!
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On September 07 2011 14:46 thedeadhaji wrote:Show nested quote +On September 07 2011 14:43 Probulous wrote:
Yeah listen to the Haji (though technically he shouldn't be able to type, all I ask for is consistency)
lol I love this kind of dry humor!
I have to admit, I stole it from the greatest comedy play ever written
+ Show Spoiler +
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thedeadhaji
39489 Posts
Man now I have an itch in my brain to go figure out what exactly the line was!
(I remember reading this back in 2002'ish)
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GUIL (snaps): Guildenstern!
ROS (jumps): What?
He is immediately crestfallen.
GUIL: Consistency is all I ask!
ROS: Give this day our daily mask.
Stoppard is perhaps the most ridiculously talented bastard around. It is actually not fair how good he is...
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thedeadhaji
39489 Posts
oh man my memory is soooo hazyyyy (now I want to read it again).
Anyways OP, most of us seem to think you should transfer!
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did you honestly think you were going to get a hardcore CS education at the art institute? i don't mean to sound rude, but you must have been delusional.
here's what i understand coming from your situation: when i was younger, i wanted to do computer science as well. but it was hard to get into CS classes even at the community college (this was when i was 15). so i decided to take a class in the computer information systems department (CIS). lets just say CIS and CS are about as different as web design and CS. with CIS we mostly focused on information databases, and MOSTLY how we can program stuff for businesses. i knew with CS what i could do. make games, make new programs, do all sorts of limitless stuff. i enjoyed thinking, and i had learned some php and css, but CIS was just so boring. for web design nowerdays, if you want to freelance you can usually make it just by splicing a layout into a WP or joomla theme. there isn't much coding involved nowerdays. if you REALLY wanted to make a living you'd probably end up subcontracting some of your work, you can't be amazing at coding AND designing.
honestly, you have to really take some time off, maybe pay off a bit of your loans, and figure out what exactly it is you want to do. do you want to perhaps work in a biologically related field? work in engineering? help design software for phones? or do pseudo computer science at the art institute (i'm not an expert, but why would you want to do any science there? i wouldn't want to get my biochemistry degree from there).
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Hmm ,I'm in the same situation except i live in denamrk , so college is "free" tho we have 64%tax for those that make 200k+ kr a year so...its "free". Anyways I dont know I think you should transfeer. I dont know what I will do yet but , maybe u can inspire me. 
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On September 07 2011 16:13 DH_Remorse wrote:Hmm ,I'm in the same situation except i live in denamrk , so college is "free" tho we have 64%tax for those that make 200k+ kr a year so...its "free". Anyways I dont know I think you should transfeer. I dont know what I will do yet but , maybe u can inspire me.
My current plan is to make a well thought out portfolio, explaining the reasons for switching, how much debt i currently owe in Tuition & Loans, the cost of the new college my total debt at the end of the program, and the difference in career job availability & pay, among other things to prove I'm serious about this.
Hopefully this will show them I mean business lol, I may even offer to take like a semester off to help pay off some of my current debt just to lighten the load. But if your college is free you can ignore this part =D
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Major facepalm. What made you think artistic DESIGN had anything to do with CS?
It's a basic rule, programmers don't do UI design. Well, very few do but they're the artists that can program. I've known since I first started doing software with UIs that design is just impossible for me. It's like impossible to figure out if the things I do are any decent. I've found out they aren't and I let the ones with some semblance of artistic talent do them.
tl;dr: Design is hard, programming is easy mode, they have 0 connections between them other than being mixed together to create a software but require very different skills.
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EPT![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bc/Rosencrantz_and_Guildenstern_book.jpg)
