Frustrated...again

Did I blog last fall about attempting to get into school and have the local university not recognize that I'm a mother first and wanted to be a student second? Frightening story about those in academia not listening.

Well, last week I dig in again and attempt to work with the same university (why not a community college you ask - because there isn't one within 100 miles OR MORE!). I review the financial aid report and find that we (my family) are expected to pay all tuition, books, fees, etc. I HEAR about all kinds of grant $ that doesn't get claimed, but according to those who know (whoever they are) there are not grants for people my age - I guess if you miss it the first time around it isn't coming back - I can't claim to have edited my high school yearbook last year, didn't run for student council, the community service that I do doesn't count, my blood pressure is going up... Anyway, my project today is to point out to the financial aid department that we are a single income family, gas prices are going up - now there is a rant for another post, and I'm not available to attend classes 24/7.

I am nearly ready to give up and remain among the "uneducated" because even taking a single class at a time is 1/4-1/3 of the full-time tuition and there are not even loans available for that. What is the deal? In addition to the $ issues (that must be solved first) - how about a few more on-line or evening classes?

Frankly this quite stinks as I have been quite cautious about even approaching this whole thing and prefer to remain in my personal comfort zone. I was good at the job I used to do (as an administrative assistant) and don't like not being good at things. However, my favorite husband keeps telling me that I would do great; it would be good for me to have my mind challenged by new and different ideas; I would enjoy seeing "big" people; someday I could work for a living - outside of our home and not attempt to work in the same capacity as I did previously; I read and absorb so quickly that it would easy (I think he's messing with me on that one); etc.

I"ll have to get a more positive attitude before calling this woman or I'll eat her alive right after she says hello. I have realized that anything less than a subservient attitude gets you absolutely nowhere with anyone working in a university/college setting (even if the individual is just the receptionist answering the telephone!). Last year I learned that regular business logic (or even just normal courtesy) doesn't seem to apply to universities in ND! TO WHOM WOULD I ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE ABOUT THE ENTIRE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM IN ND? WOULD THAT PERSON EVEN READ MY LETTER AS I DON'T HAVE A LIST OF LETTERS AFTER MY NAME?!!! Maybe I'll wait to make that call.