- #1
APHELION
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I'm a 24 year old community college student about a semester away from completing all of my general education with the exception of math. I'm a bit behind in math and have to take a remedial geometry course this summer as a prereq for college algebra and trig. That being said, I have at least another 6 months (If I take them concurrently) to a year before I am prepped for calculus and thus a university transfer. My dilemma right now is that I'm a little scared of the math that lies ahead. With the exception of grade school, I don't really ever recall gliding through a math class. I'm even worried about this summer geometry class because I"ve never taken geometry before. And considering that math is the language of physics I'm already feeling defeated because of my earlier struggles with the subject.
This line of thinking has led to me doubt my future as either an astrophyiscist or an astronomer despite my love for both subjects. Not to mention my feelings of discouragement from already being 24 and not even at the university yet. I'll be lucky If I'm 30 by the time I receive my undergrad (only a part time student). I'm extremely confused as to what academic route I should follow. I do love physics and astronomy (just finished reading " The Elegant Universe") but I'm very worried that the material is going to overwhelm me with difficulty and perhaps I should pursue something less interesting and not as intense (chem, bio). It's also going to be especially tough balancing a full time job with a physics cirriculum (If only I could get a loan big enough to supplement my income). Also, does anyone know a good way to get a foot in the door at an observatory, planetarium or a lab of some sort? All my work experience is strictly in the legal field, and I desperately need a position better suited to my future endeavors (and passion).
I apologize for the lack of specific questions here but I was more or less just looking to get some general feedback on my situation as a whole. Any advice would be greatly appreciated in this very confusing time in a future scientists' life.
_______________
“Know your limits, but never accept them.”
This line of thinking has led to me doubt my future as either an astrophyiscist or an astronomer despite my love for both subjects. Not to mention my feelings of discouragement from already being 24 and not even at the university yet. I'll be lucky If I'm 30 by the time I receive my undergrad (only a part time student). I'm extremely confused as to what academic route I should follow. I do love physics and astronomy (just finished reading " The Elegant Universe") but I'm very worried that the material is going to overwhelm me with difficulty and perhaps I should pursue something less interesting and not as intense (chem, bio). It's also going to be especially tough balancing a full time job with a physics cirriculum (If only I could get a loan big enough to supplement my income). Also, does anyone know a good way to get a foot in the door at an observatory, planetarium or a lab of some sort? All my work experience is strictly in the legal field, and I desperately need a position better suited to my future endeavors (and passion).
I apologize for the lack of specific questions here but I was more or less just looking to get some general feedback on my situation as a whole. Any advice would be greatly appreciated in this very confusing time in a future scientists' life.
_______________
“Know your limits, but never accept them.”
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