Well to start it off, I am in the 10th grade and HATE highschool, it's rough and gets on my nerves. I never thought I'd contemplate "dropping out" until today, when someone told me of this idea. (Just an FYI I'm not some trouble maker/stoner kid, I enjoy learning... I just hate highschool ok). A couple friends told me that you can drop out of highschool and when your 18 go in to get your G.E.D (Which my brother did as well and is now in the army). But they said there is a special program thing where you can get your G.E.D and then go to a communite college for 2 years, then when those 2 years are up you can continue on into a university for 2 years if you choose to do so... this sounds like a great idea! I'm 16 now and for thee 2 years (until I turn 18) I could work and gain some money for college. Then do that program as they said. I want to become a pharmacist. But is this true... could I do this and still get a decent job that is pharmaceutical? Or would this scrw up my life
2007-02-07 07:10:42 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
the last time I heard of a Pharmacist with a GED was never!!
Stay in high-school. Anyone who tells you to do otherwise is either stupid or wants to see you suffer.
Get into college ASAP and don't believe the myth of "working to save some money". It will never happen.
2007-02-10 17:19:54 · answer #1 · answered by jloertscher 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I would consult your parents and or an independant authority on this matter. Taking answers here on Yahoo! may not be your best bet. Now I'll get to answering your question as I see it.
A little about me. I currently hold a B.S. in Engineering Physics. I've worked at NASA and the Florida Space Institute among other companies. I am wrapping up a Masters in Physics and specialized in astronomy, specifically asteroid composition research. I will be continuing to my Ph.D.
About highschool, it's basically worthless. Many students leave highschool for college and find that they do not possess the skills required to pass the most basic entrance classes. They either drop out or attend remedial classes. Highschool officials will tell you otherwise, but understandably they are a little biased.
College is a much different environment. You are responsibly for your own education, professors usually could care less about you and whatever happens is on your head. There will be occasional professors you will strike a friendly relationship with and almost all professors are there to help regardless of your status with them. However the bottom line is this, you alone are responsible for learning.
Working at minimum wage or a little higher you will be unable to muster enough cash to go to college. The costs are high and you will be taking student loans no matter what. That and you will be delaying your entrance into college, the only advantage that highschool can give you.
Colleges are not really interested in the dropouts. Non-standard educations are usually looked down on. Highschool is already worthless and easy, so imagine your recruiter's dismay when he sees you were unable to pass even that. A GED, while progress just doesn't always pass muster.
As a pharmacy student you will find that their expectations of you in college are much higher than that of a business major or a liberal arts major. Pharmacists are responsible for medicine that may save a life or potentially kill it. The stakes are high, the stress is higher. If you cannot handle the stresses of highschool what do you think they will think of your ability to handle the stresses of being a pharmacist.
I agree that highschool is nothing more than an overpriced babysitter institution but if I were you I would consider staying in. Finishing says a lot about character, something that schools look at when bringing in students. Here are some suggestions for making high school work.
- Ignore the popular clique. In 20 years they and most highschoolers will be wondering why they are still flipping burgers and bagging people's groceries.
- Take the hardest classes available. AP Computer programming, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry and such. Trust me, these classes are fairly easy and will give you a basic understanding of what it will take to get through pharmacy school. Programming is always helpful, in any tech field. With it you can perform miracles in the eyes of others. Calculus will set you up with the math skills you will need. I believe it is a little overkill, but trust me a strong math foundation will serve you well. Chemistry... well you said pharmacy so expect it. Get started early and don't be one of the people in college scratching your head. This is head start land. If you are not ready for these classes talk to your advisor in highschool and tell them what you are planning for. They can (or should, mine actually tried to dissuade me) help you plan your career in highschool.
- Study, study, study. Do not stop, make it your obsession. While the popular kids are partying out in dirt lots and getting into trouble, you should be at home studying. Their partying and troublemaking now will usually lead them to a rough life with plenty of misery and inability to pay bills. You will be studying to enter a life where partying becomes a matter of going out on a yaght with socialites and making tons of cash. Despite what people say, money runs the world. Get lots of money and you can lead a very comfortable life.
- At your age this can be a tough one. Try and stay away from the opposite sex. There's plenty of time for that later. But if you screw this up now you may be pulling 9-5 at your local deli making subs for a living for 18 years or more. Don't do that to yourself, think first before making any moves.
I understand why you hate highschool. I did too, but get over it. Just get that nightmare over with and move on to a better lifestyle. The fact that you want to become a pharmacist tells me you are thinking ahead which is great. Two years is nothing, ask any adult what they think of two years in highschool and they will tell you the same thing. It went too quickly. Stick to it, deal with it and you'll make I'm sure.
Good luck and remember that a brighter future is really up to you and nobody else.
2007-02-07 15:42:54 · answer #2 · answered by lordsomos 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're in 10th grade, and you only have two years left. Why throw behind all that you have worked for? If you've already made it this far, two years will be nothing. It will be worth it in the end, trust me. A lot of kids don't enjoy school, but school is the basis of your life. All of your future jobs revolve around school. And the whole "G.E.D." thing... unless you're struggling greatly in school, then I wouldn't suggest it. It's fine for those who barely pass in school, but for those who have already made it to 10th grade and are doing fine, then why not just finish it off. In the end, it's really up to you, but my opinion [and I'm sure a lot of others will agree] is to just hold tight, try hard, and in the end you'll be grateful for what you did.
2007-02-07 15:21:45 · answer #3 · answered by Lauren S 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
well I am a 20 year old respiratory therapist and got my ged in august of 2002 when I was 16 I recieved it in the mail in Oct. and my first semester of college was the following Jan so u can get your ged at 16 and go straight to college go for it
2007-02-07 15:20:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most pharmacists that I know have gone and finished their entire schooling. I think that this proves a non quitting attitude as well which will serve you well in your life.
2007-02-07 15:18:59 · answer #5 · answered by onecutebyrd 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋