Free time while pursuing my undergraduate degree

[CrysPhys]

While some go too far in criticizing foolishness, one should never validate it.

Just to avoid any misunderstanding: My Reply #84 in its entirety was intended sarcasm. I thought about adding an appropriate emoticon when I first wrote it, but then judged it superfluous. I've since added a clarifying comment after reading your response.

 

[Frabjous]

Just to avoid any misunderstanding: My Reply #84 in its entirety was intended sarcasm. I thought about adding an appropriate emoticon when I first wrote it, but then judged it superfluous. I've since added a clarifying comment after reading your response.

Written sarcasm is frequently missed.

 

[gmax137]

Written sarcasm is frequently missed.

 

[jtbell]

I am sure some of my other friends will get into Clemson as well

If that comes to pass, have you considered sharing an off-campus apartment with one or more of them? I suspect it might be cheaper than living in a dorm, although you’d have to run the numbers for the situation in Clemson.

I didn’t have to consider that option for undergrad, because my parents were able to pay my way. But I did do it for grad school, with other physics grad students as roommates. It definitely helped make ends meet on a grad-student stipend.

The other big factor that helped was not owning a car, but instead bicycling, walking and using public transportation.

 

[PeterDonis]

Hollywood made several great movies on military boot camp

The Boys in Company C and Full Metal Jacket both have good portions about boot camp.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Folks, we are way jumping the gun here.

(1) The OP hasn't even gotten into Clemson yet. Yes, he did well in junior high school, but that is only a start. It is not guaranteed, and my estimate is that it will require a lot of work for the rest of high school.

(2) There is no financial aid package yet, so there is no way to determine what is an is not affordable. Furthermore, the OP has said that this plan is to save money and he has said that it isn't.

(3) There is a strong consensus that an engineering degree is a full-time job (or close to it). Yes, the OP doesn't want to hear this, and yes, some people without engineering degrees have said otherwise. A plan that requires the OP to hold down essentially two jobs is highly unlikely to succeed.

To my mind, PF does the OP an extreme disservice by encouraging the "vantasy." Instead we should be encouraging him to excel in high school.

 

[jtbell]

Yep, first things first…

 

[CrysPhys]

Just a comment for the military option recommended by some posters. Several of my co-workers at one company were in the Army Reserves. They talked about the benefits they received, with relatively little risk at the time. Then in the aftermath of 9/11/2001, several were deployed to Iraq. So those contemplating the military option should not overlook the risks.

 

[whatamievendoing]

Not everyone who plans on doing this saves money. Sadly, many joining the military adjust their spending upward to match their new income.

Given the OP's resistance to advice, I would question how well he will do in the military. People entering the military, especially in the early phases, get a lot of...well, lets call it advice and feedback from more senior members.

I do tend to struggle with authority, as i had been basically used as a doormat my entire life. As a result of being bullied, i am resistant to authorities, especially those who are roughly my age.

 

[whatamievendoing]

For all of the people who have said to join the military, i have contemplated this option. The only problem i see with it is the spot that i would like in the air force (either in engineering or on the space program) is not guaranteed. This then causes me to not like the idea, because my whole plan isnt to fight for this country, as i plan to expatriate myself to an asian or european country eventually.

I overall feel that this option carries too much risk, especially for my physical well being (ie. fighting wars). I do consider myself a good shot with pellet guns, however I just simply dont see the appeal of guns in general, so there is no reason for me to learn how to use one. If i could guarantee either one of the two out of ten jobs i would like, this option would be more feasible, however at the moment i feel that the risks and drawbacks outweigh any gains.

 

[whatamievendoing]

Another option that i have would be go get an apprenticeship at a local engineering firm. I would get a full ride, plus i would be paid to get my degree. I could have this option my junior year in high school, and this would allow me to graduate debt free, attend a trade school (which honestly seems less and less of a scam) all whilst receiving on the job training and not being tied to any contract or company.

 

[whatamievendoing]

I’ll add though my friend recently graduated with a degree in software engineering. He lived in his car for a non trivial amount of his schooling.

If this is really what you want to do. Get a gym membership at 24 hour fitness so you can use their bathroom for the usual body functions and a shower.

Maybe in the meantime you can get jacked.


Assuming you can cook in your van…..

This was my plan, and yes, i do also plan to install an induction cooktop/oven with the 800w solar system. I also love to cook so i see this as a win-win.

 

[MidgetDwarf]

I do tend to struggle with authority, as i had been basically used as a doormat my entire life. As a result of being bullied, i am resistant to authorities, especially those who are roughly my age.

You will submit in the military lol. By force or by choice.

I have mixed feelings about someone joining the military.

Ie,, the possibility of being killed.
chance of ptsd , particularly for combat vets. The world is not a nice place, and it appears to be more conflict than usual brewing. I came to this conclusion, since I keep getting pestered by recruiters for officer school [all branches], and im 34.

There are some positive. You will always have a paycheck, GI Bill, discipline, and a roof over your head. Hell i knew people who joined the military since they can carry guns and shoot people and not go to jail lol.

I am of the belief of rather than send people to jail, maybe they can be given to choice to join the military instead.

Did you think of the van idea by seing a few TiKToc videos of people converting and living in one? I was told that the majority of those people making TiKToc videos of RV life are actually financed by parents or even sugar daddies/mommies.

The van idea a terrible one. When you are old enough and ready to attend college. Get a part time job and share a room with someone. Or you can suck it up for 5 years and live with family. Its only 5 years.

 

[CrysPhys]

I do tend to struggle with authority, as i had been basically used as a doormat my entire life. As a result of being bullied, i am resistant to authorities, especially those who are roughly my age.

<<Emphasis added>> This is an odd statement. You're a sophomore in high school. What authorities are you referring to who are roughly your own age? Or is there another backstory here, and you're significantly older than a typical sophomore in high school?

 

[jrmichler]

I do tend to struggle with authority

Not to worry. Military drill instructors are real good at explaining exactly who is in charge. I finished Air Force Basic wondering where all the stories about Basic being difficult came from. "I though this was supposed to be tough?". My daughter had no trouble with Marine Corps Basic, and she had never been a person interested in proving herself physically.

As a result of being bullied

The military is very much into teamwork. Bullying tends to get stopped immediately and firmly by one's coworkers / fellow GI's without involving superior officers.

I spent most of my enlistment in a photo lab in Southern California. The worst part of my job was walking out of a 70 deg F building, getting on my bicycle, and pedaling six miles to the barracks at 110 deg F.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Why are we still harping on the military? The OP says he doesn't want that, and all indications are that he would not do well in that environment anyway.

 

[.Scott]

I would learn how to wire my own electricity, I would learn how to route plumbing lines, I would learn to woodwork, weld, insulate, and control climate. All of these things would be applicable to my mechanical engineering/aerospace major.

If you love Mechanical Engineering, the van will never be completed.

 

[Vanadium 50]

I really think OP’s best interests would be served by building up money by taking a few years off and working.

It would certainly inject a dose of reality into his planning.

However, based on what he has said, I do not think he would do well with unskilled or semiskilled labor, especially with a supervisor near his own age.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Another option that i have would be go get an apprenticeship at a local engineering firm. I would get a full ride, plus i would be paid to get my degree.

Really? You think these positions just fall off trees?

If these were common, don't you think everyone would do this? Further, most of these benefits cover a class, perhaps two at a time. That means ~10+ years to finish. There are mighty few programs where they hire you, and send you off to college with a six-figure check.

We are back in fantasy land, and you are again ignoring the repeated advice: your job now is to excel in high school.

 

[berkeman]

Thread is closed for Moderation.

 

[berkeman]

After a Mentor discussion, the thread will remain closed.