Should I Just Give Up?

Nafe92014

Hey all,

I'm kinda in a bad situation right now. I recently just finished my 4th year of college, but I failed a Networks course and the second Cisco course (by 1.5%). My program that I was enrolled in is a 2 year diploma with the optional exit after 1 year with a certificate, but the program can be extended to a maximum of 5 years. Some people said it would be a bit risky me doing a 5th year because if I "timeout" out of that year, I don't graduate with a certificate. My advisor also told me that students who have "timed-out" in their final year then feel the pain emotionally and mentally of the burden that the hard work was a waste of time.

Some of my friends in the Year 2 part of it are encouraging me to study over the summer and try one more time, while my folks are telling me to accept the fact that taking 4-5 years to finish 1 Year of a program is too long and too hard. Like, this is what I want to do, and it's my passion, but there are some barriers that I've been going through that affected in my performance lately.

I don't know what you guys can suggest. I'm currently looking for any type of summer job while trying to keep a positive outlook career-wise.

MontagueVandervort

Don't ever let anyone tell you to quit something you don't want to quit. It's your decision, no one else's. That said, I hope you've gotten or are able to get these barriers down or at least stabilized.

And just because of this one program, don't let it get you down for your entire career. It's just that ... one program. You've already gotten a few certs under your belt, so it's obvious that you're more than capable.

Ryan9764

Like Montague said, don't ever quit something you like. I guarantee you that if you put forth all the hard work, you will pass. Just keep on studying and work hard. There more resource on the internet than ever. If you use them all, than you will pass. . Everything in life isn't given to you. For example, all the top CEO's and executives. You think they ever gave up? They kept working hard and harder everyday, . If you like something in life, take it but don't expect someone will give it to you. Stay up all night studying, instead of playing videogames or watching movies, study. study and more study. Hope this helps and good luck!!! Don't EVER give up!!

Nafe92014

MontagueVandervort wrote: »

Don't ever let anyone tell you to quit something you don't want to quit. It's your decision, no one else's. That said, I hope you've gotten or are able to get these barriers down or at least stabilized.

And just because of this one program, don't let it get you down for your entire career. It's just that ... one program. You've already gotten a few certs under your belt, so it's obvious that you're more than capable.

Yeah true. It's just having lost my hearing recently and struggling with ADD makes it hard. I told my folks that I like challenges and I try my best, and if worst case scenario happens next year, then at least I tried and learned things and didn't just give up, and I'll think of another career I can do that interests me.

DatabaseHead

Personally if it's me go with your gut. If the advisor is telling you that and it checks out with you, I would most certainly consider that.

Love the idea of bouncing back and landing a summer job, I think we can all agree on that one.

MontagueVandervort

Nafe92014 wrote: »

Yeah true. It's just having lost my hearing recently and struggling with ADD makes it hard. I told my folks that I like challenges and I try my best, and if worst case scenario happens next year, then at least I tried and learned things and didn't just give up, and I'll think of another career I can do that interests me.

Nafe, I understand. I'm sorry to hear that you've lost your hearing recently. That's a lot to have to adjust to. I also struggle with ADD (and dyslexia) myself, so I get what you're saying. All of these things make it hard... but they don't make it impossible. Your certs are proof of that.

I subscribe to the notion that if you give up, you fail by default. At least if you try... hey you still may fail... but at least you gave it your best shot.

The fact is here that I see absolutely no reason why being deaf and having ADD should stop you from having a career in IT. That just doesn't make sense to me. You've got this ............ if you really want it.

NetworkingStudent

Nafe92014 wrote: »

Hey all,

I'm kinda in a bad situation right now. I recently just finished my 4th year of college, but I failed a Networks course and the second Cisco course (by 1.5%). My program that I was enrolled in is a 2 year diploma with the optional exit after 1 year with a certificate, but the program can be extended to a maximum of 5 years. Some people said it would be a bit risky me doing a 5th year because if I "timeout" out of that year, I don't graduate with a certificate. My advisor also told me that students who have "timed-out" in their final year then feel the pain emotionally and mentally of the burden that the hard work was a waste of time.

Some of my friends in the Year 2 part of it are encouraging me to study over the summer and try one more time, while my folks are telling me to accept the fact that taking 4-5 years to finish 1 Year of a program is too long and too hard. Like, this is what I want to do, and it's my passion, but there are some barriers that I've been going through that affected in my performance lately.

I don't know what you guys can suggest. I'm currently looking for any type of summer job while trying to keep a positive outlook career-wise.

DON'T Give up!!

I'm no doctor, but I would tell you need to take care of your health first and foremost.

In the order of goals, hearing/health comes first!!!!!!!!!!!!

You should see a ear specialist and get a (audiometric) test. Hearing Tests

After getting this test, it will allow you to form a plan of attack to correct your hearing.

I don't know much about ADD, but I can imagine it is correctable.

I think failing two classes isn't that bad. I would talk to the professors of those classes and see if they have any suggestions. Also, find classmates that passed and see what they did to pass.

Also, I see those certs that you have and I see a motivated person that wants to work in IT.

I understand why your folks don't want you to continue, because it would break their heart to see you get hurt if you failed.

Sometimes though if you don't try, you will never know what might have happened if you did succeed.



Here are some motivational videos:

CT Fletcher My Magnificent Obsession - Long

https://youtu.be/j2bjUsHiacU

CT'S MESSAGE TO INNER CITY YOUTH "YOU CAN'T" (Dorsey HS ITEP, 11/20/2014) - Short
https://youtu.be/kADt1c-eYFw

Above all else get your hearing looked into and see if you can correct it.

Maybe you can write out a plan of attack, on how you accomplish your goals of finishing your degree within the 5 year makr and revwi with your parents and counselor. This is just an idea.

I can see you working in IT, I know you can do this!!!

PCTechLinc

WD-40 is called that because the inventor had 39 failed attempts, and succeeded on the 40th.

Thomas Edison failed ~1000 patents before inventing the light bulb.

Michael Jordan missed over 9000 shots.

Now I don't know if these quotes are completely factual, but they are famous enough to be believable. Point is, giving up is the ultimate failure.

BONUS: "Why do we fall sir? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up."

MontagueVandervort

7 characters

Nafe92014

Thanks all for your support. I've been hearing impaired my whole life and am currently on the wait list for a cochlear implant. I'm going to study a at least 2-3 hours a day starting next Monday until I return to college in January. I'll work a full time job until then and if I can retake my CCENT and get it out of the way, then great. My Networks 3 course consisted of advanced AD topics like:

-zone types
-replication
-ADMT
-DFS Mgmt
-sites

These are another thing I can focus on in my free time, should I get Cisco under my belt.

jibtech

Sounds like things aren't going fantastic right now. Sorry to hear it. A number of us have been there, and crawling out of it can be a rough trip.

But, a little perspective helps. If I knew nothing else about you, I know that you have family, friends and an advisor who care about you. That is a lot more than you may realize. You are facing some challenges, and you may well fail at this one. But, you will wake up the next morning.

There is literally no program, no certification, no degree that is so uniquely critical that it can stop you from being successful in a profession. There is no reason you can't go for it again, whether as part of the same program or not. It really is as simple as deciding not to quit. This forum is full of people who are pursuing certifications with nothing more than a web browser. I, personally, am on the 25 year plan to get a college degree.

Everyone needs to take a moment to lick their wounds sometimes. There is nothing wrong with that. But, tomorrow you have to get up and take the next step. One foot in front of the other.

If you want to continue with the program, get to it. If you want to "timeout" and get the certificate, that is a fair option too. But, remember one thing. Education is the only thing that cannot be taken away from you. Everything you learned is yours. Period. And in the future you may apply it to the next effort.

On a side note, I would be interested to know what the college/program is. The program you are describing is odd. Not necessarily bad, just.... odd.

wd40

PCTechLinc wrote: »

WD-40 is called that because the inventor had 39 failed attempts, and succeeded on the 40th.

It took me 7 years to complete my current bachelors and I do not have any health issues (Actually I started in 2002 and finished in 2015 so the total is 13 years )

Don't give up.

Nafe92014

jibtech wrote: »

Sounds like things aren't going fantastic right now. Sorry to hear it. A number of us have been there, and crawling out of it can be a rough trip.

But, a little perspective helps. If I knew nothing else about you, I know that you have family, friends and an advisor who care about you. That is a lot more than you may realize. You are facing some challenges, and you may well fail at this one. But, you will wake up the next morning.

There is literally no program, no certification, no degree that is so uniquely critical that it can stop you from being successful in a profession. There is no reason you can't go for it again, whether as part of the same program or not. It really is as simple as deciding not to quit. This forum is full of people who are pursuing certifications with nothing more than a web browser. I, personally, am on the 25 year plan to get a college degree.

Everyone needs to take a moment to lick their wounds sometimes. There is nothing wrong with that. But, tomorrow you have to get up and take the next step. One foot in front of the other.

If you want to continue with the program, get to it. If you want to "timeout" and get the certificate, that is a fair option too. But, remember one thing. Education is the only thing that cannot be taken away from you. Everything you learned is yours. Period. And in the future you may apply it to the next effort.

On a side note, I would be interested to know what the college/program is. The program you are describing is odd. Not necessarily bad, just.... odd.

Heres a link to the program I am taking:

Network Administration Technology | Assiniboine Community College

jibtech

Here is where I am confused. From what I am reading, I think you have almost completed year 1 of the program.

Presumably you have been knocking out the certifications along the way, as well. I would guess A+ definitely. Perhaps Linux+ or Network+. Depends on how those classes actually shape out. No matter what, those certifications are yours. Period.

All of the knowledge you have gained is yours to keep. Period. So, the real question is whether you get the end of course certificate. Not whether you get any certifications along the way.

I don't know how the Canadian system works, so I am a bit out of my depth here. But, not getting the certificate at the end may not be the end of the world. You still gained knowledge. You still gained certifications. Both are employable. At this point, the certificate is a nice to have. The question you need to ask is whether the knowledge gained from one more year is worth the cost of that extra year. There is no certification you are getting from that course that you can't study and pass individually. It may take more effort, and be harder, but it is absolutely doable.

That is my perspective. If doing the extra year and getting a certificate is worth the cost to you, go for it. Worst case scenario is you end up with 1 or 2 certs that will still help you in the field. Best case, you knock out the entire year, get the certifications and the certificate.

I personally balk at the idea of spending essentially $4300 pursuing the CCENT/CCNA and a couple Microsoft certs. But, I may really be missing something here.

100k

Just read the title but I can already tell you no...do not give up. It is hard and can suck sometimes but trust me when I tell you the sense of accomplisment you will feel will be amazing. You can do it. I know you can. We know you can.

Node Man

As much as I love certs and diploma's . . . neither a cert or a diploma is needed for a person to be a great engineer. They help with finding a job, but if this is in you, failing a cert or diploma wont stop you. (IMO)

shimasensei

Sorry to hear what you're going through. You can do it, just hang in there a little longer. You're close to the finish line! I think most of us here can relate to times when we wanted to throw in the towel also.

MontagueVandervort

This program is more than I thought it was. It looks like it's the equivalent of an American Associate's Degree and then some. With all of these certifications mixed in, there is no way I could have done something like this. That said, if I would have started something like this ... I wouldn't quit until it was over.

You've taken 4 yrs to complete half the program. The math is against you here as you still have the other half to complete. That means you have to finish 1 yr in 1 yr. I know I couldn't do it with all of those certifications involved but that's not to say you can't. I really don't know. You probably do though.

Sometimes it's not really about failing as much as it's about tailoring to our needs. I would still do the 5th yr. To me, it would be a matter of "finishing" what I started even if I didn't "succeed" because to me, success is more than just getting to a finish line. That said, if you decide to do this and don't make it ... don't take it too hard. At least you'll have probably picked up another cert and will have understood yourself better.

That also said, you can't let it get you down and make you feel like IT isn't for you. You will just have to find a learning environment that works better for you. I know because of my ADD (and Dyslexia), it takes me about 15 min to read 1 page (I mean 1 damn side lulz), so I know that I have to do independent-study, and I know that I have to figure out my own timelines based on that 15 min. That's on a good day too, btw. On a worse day it takes me 30 min and on a really bad day it can take me as much as an hour. So when I figure out my timelines for study, I have to add an "emergency" month into everything to make it work.

Does it suck to be like this? Hell yes, but who cares? This is the way I am and aside of this I'm damn intelligent and retain knowledge far better than most people and am able to understand much more complicated material than your average human being. You have to find your positive attributes and concentrate on those instead of concentrating on your negative attributes.

No one is going to tell me I can't be in IT because I have ADD (and Dyslexia). I don't accept that and either should you.

jibtech wrote: »

I personally balk at the idea of spending essentially $4300 pursuing the CCENT/CCNA and a couple Microsoft certs. But, I may really be missing something here.

Yes, it seems like he would also then have what we call in the states, a Degree.

shimasensei

MontagueVandervort wrote: »

7 characters

Great quote, just noticed though, it should be "Lombardi".

MontagueVandervort

shimasensei wrote: »

Great quote, just noticed though, it should be "Lombardi".

I knew something didn't look "right" about it lulz... but you see that's how Dylexia can work sometimes. I thought it was just me



Edit: But PS ... excuse me for that having an error. (Although I'm not the one who created it.)

blatini

Just go through DJ Khaled's most popular instagram videos and if you aren't inspired to keep going move on

blatini

Serious answer would be to evaluate why you are failing. Are you just a bad test taker? Is there a section in particular you always bomb? What questions make you the most nervous? Is networking really your end goal?

Also the CCENT is a huge pain in the ass. There is a lot of memorization. The best way to get through it IMO is to flash card it and read aloud when going through them. You have separate memory banks for the 5 senses and you double the effectiveness of studying by doing so. Also helps for developing mnemonic tricks

sillymcnasty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vuetQSwFW8 I owe every cert, every spartan race, every muscle up to this man. Listen to it, get motivated, destroy everything in your path

Bjcheung77

To the OP, tread onward my friend until you can't get any further.
As others have mentioned, you may be able to get a cert or two at least.
If all else fails, you can try to get as much learning/training and continue working.
Use what you've learned to get as far/many certs you can.

Once that is done, you can try getting an AAS (Applied Science).
These are the best/cheapest/easiest/fastest terminal associates there are.
PM (Private Message) me for more info if you want, I can explain further.
Using inexpensive courses can get you an associates degree.

In the end, you'll have your certs, along with an Associates Degree and you have "work" experience.
I think that will trump over a diploma any day. It's more "recognized" than your college ACC.
Further to that, the cost of these Associates Degrees are from Regionally Accredited State Colleges in the US.

shimasensei

MontagueVandervort wrote: »

I knew something didn't look "right" about it lulz... but you see that's how Dylexia can work sometimes. I thought it was just me



Edit: But PS ... excuse me for that having an error. (Although I'm not the one who created it.)

No worries

shimasensei

sillymcnasty wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vuetQSwFW8 I owe every cert, every spartan race, every muscle up to this man. Listen to it, get motivated, destroy everything in your path

Wow, just...wow. A lot of truth. Great video, thanks for sharing.

sillymcnasty

shimasensei wrote: »

Wow, just...wow. A lot of truth. Great video, thanks for sharing.

Also search up Leave a legacy by inky johnson. 8 minutes long or so. I'm at work so I can't link to it lol

ande0255

I did full time (12 credits per semester) Spring / Summer / Fall all the way through college, I knew if I took a summer off or something that my momentum would slow, and I'd fall off the wagon.

Same for studying certifications, if my momentum of study declines, I eventually slow from a crawl to not studying.

So pick yourself up, make up for the lost time, and you'll be back on track

NotHackingYou

“Never, never, never give up.” ― Winston Churchill

VictorVictor5

OP -

I can tell you the horror story I went through while getting my PhD. I almost had to go into litigation against my institution it was that bad (I was not at fault - previous advisor was). It took a long time, but I was going to be damned if anyone was going to tell me "no."

It took a long time, but I got it. Don't ever give it. Failure is not an option.

VV5 out.

Nafe92014

Just a FYI guys, the certifications are NOT mandatory to graduate. They are optional if a student WISHES to get certifications while in college.