College

[purpleangel28282]

I'm a senior in highschool right now and I've been thinking a lot about what to do for college. I finally had decided to apply to one school about an hour away from my home and if I didn't get into it then I would just go to my community college. However, after my last hospital stay (got out on thursday) I've been thinking a lot about whether or not I even want to go to that college because I wouldn't be living at home, if I get sick and get behind I'll have to catch up and going to a four year university and forking over around 30,000 dollars a year just to end up possibly struggling to get through it all probably wouldn't be worth it. My doctor talked about how going in for tune ups may start to be a regular thing for me; my first hospital stay (for one week) and 3 week round of IV antibiotics was in May of 05, then I went on IVs again at home for 3 weeks in October of 05, and then just now I was in the hospital again on IVs for a week and now two more weeks at home. So it seems as though it's starting to be a regular thing. It was hard for me to decide to limit myself to applying just to the one university so that I could be close to home should I get sick, and now the thought of eliminating that and deciding to just go to the community college is hard because everyone at school is applying to at least 5 different universities and colleges and then just giving up the whole college experience, moving out of the house and living in a dorm and all of that. I'm not quite sure what to do and I just wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts about this, or what you did as far as college and how it has worked out.

 

[purpleangel28282]

I'm a senior in highschool right now and I've been thinking a lot about what to do for college. I finally had decided to apply to one school about an hour away from my home and if I didn't get into it then I would just go to my community college. However, after my last hospital stay (got out on thursday) I've been thinking a lot about whether or not I even want to go to that college because I wouldn't be living at home, if I get sick and get behind I'll have to catch up and going to a four year university and forking over around 30,000 dollars a year just to end up possibly struggling to get through it all probably wouldn't be worth it. My doctor talked about how going in for tune ups may start to be a regular thing for me; my first hospital stay (for one week) and 3 week round of IV antibiotics was in May of 05, then I went on IVs again at home for 3 weeks in October of 05, and then just now I was in the hospital again on IVs for a week and now two more weeks at home. So it seems as though it's starting to be a regular thing. It was hard for me to decide to limit myself to applying just to the one university so that I could be close to home should I get sick, and now the thought of eliminating that and deciding to just go to the community college is hard because everyone at school is applying to at least 5 different universities and colleges and then just giving up the whole college experience, moving out of the house and living in a dorm and all of that. I'm not quite sure what to do and I just wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts about this, or what you did as far as college and how it has worked out.

 

[anonymous]

Why don't you apply to your heart's content and save the final decision for later? See how your health plays out over the winter and meanwhile tell your friends about all the "it" schools you got into. Then, if you'd feel safer at the community college for a year, use that time to test your physical capacities and to grab up those A's that will later get you to Oxford, where you will find the cure for CF and post the discovery first on this board.

If it helps, I went to a school that was far away but that had a great university hospital, and even though I was sick half the time, I always felt in good hands. But I was apprehensive at first, as you are.

 

[anonymous]

Why don't you apply to your heart's content and save the final decision for later? See how your health plays out over the winter and meanwhile tell your friends about all the "it" schools you got into. Then, if you'd feel safer at the community college for a year, use that time to test your physical capacities and to grab up those A's that will later get you to Oxford, where you will find the cure for CF and post the discovery first on this board.

If it helps, I went to a school that was far away but that had a great university hospital, and even though I was sick half the time, I always felt in good hands. But I was apprehensive at first, as you are.

 

[RoyalPrince]

excellent question... i struggled with that issue myself, well actually i didn't but my family did and since it was their bill, i had to respect some of what they did... so we compromised. i went to a close community college for my general studies classes after talking to an advisor to see what i could transfer to the university i wanted to go to which coincidently was about an hour away from home.... most of the point with that was because if you go to a big university you tend to be a number that no one cares about and general classes for the first year or so can be huge... i was looking at up to 200 people per class in the university and going to the community college kept the class sizes down to 30-50 people and i got to know my professors so they would work with me if i had to miss (youcan't do that at a university very easy)... then transfered to the university to continue my major with class sizes more manageable and again got to know my professors... as far as living i lucked out and never lived in a dorm or public housing because the germs alone can keep a cfer struggling... you should go talk to your guidance councelor about tuition assistance... mine was covered completely by a rehab place because of my cf... so that helped me have money for rent at school and i didn't have any student loan debt when i finished... one of my roommates i rented with was a friend that knew of my cf and the other guy i met in school moved in with later ended up being a really good friend of mine still today and was cool with the whole cf thing... so its just a matter of you doing what you are comfortable with and making yourself happy cause in the end thats what counts...

hoped that helped a bit and good luck with school...
ps think hard about your major because remember you will be doing it the rest of your days and you will always have an unpredictable schedule and you should be happy doing it everyday...

 

[RoyalPrince]

excellent question... i struggled with that issue myself, well actually i didn't but my family did and since it was their bill, i had to respect some of what they did... so we compromised. i went to a close community college for my general studies classes after talking to an advisor to see what i could transfer to the university i wanted to go to which coincidently was about an hour away from home.... most of the point with that was because if you go to a big university you tend to be a number that no one cares about and general classes for the first year or so can be huge... i was looking at up to 200 people per class in the university and going to the community college kept the class sizes down to 30-50 people and i got to know my professors so they would work with me if i had to miss (youcan't do that at a university very easy)... then transfered to the university to continue my major with class sizes more manageable and again got to know my professors... as far as living i lucked out and never lived in a dorm or public housing because the germs alone can keep a cfer struggling... you should go talk to your guidance councelor about tuition assistance... mine was covered completely by a rehab place because of my cf... so that helped me have money for rent at school and i didn't have any student loan debt when i finished... one of my roommates i rented with was a friend that knew of my cf and the other guy i met in school moved in with later ended up being a really good friend of mine still today and was cool with the whole cf thing... so its just a matter of you doing what you are comfortable with and making yourself happy cause in the end thats what counts...

hoped that helped a bit and good luck with school...
ps think hard about your major because remember you will be doing it the rest of your days and you will always have an unpredictable schedule and you should be happy doing it everyday...

 

[anonymous]

Hello! Just thought I'd reply since I'm in college right now. Most colleges will accomodate for students with medical issues - get you a single room or a room with your own bathroom in the dorms, help you make arrangements in case you get sick, etc. My CF doc also told me that she could ( if I requested) talk to the college so I could have later classes and a lot of dining halls now have someone on board to help students with special food needs. So do what you feel is right, but know that a lot of colleges are willing to work with you to help you out.

Jamie f/19

 

[anonymous]

Hello! Just thought I'd reply since I'm in college right now. Most colleges will accomodate for students with medical issues - get you a single room or a room with your own bathroom in the dorms, help you make arrangements in case you get sick, etc. My CF doc also told me that she could ( if I requested) talk to the college so I could have later classes and a lot of dining halls now have someone on board to help students with special food needs. So do what you feel is right, but know that a lot of colleges are willing to work with you to help you out.

Jamie f/19

 

[julie]

Most colleges will accomodate missed days due to medical problems, actually by law (the ADA) they have to so scratch the "most" I wrote. However, I would highly recommend you consider doing your first 2 years at a community college if you've done your research and your Associates from your local Com. col. will transfer to one or two of the universities you are looking at now. Reason being, My husband choose the other route, all 4 years at a university, and we are grossly in debt. He did go to a com. college but didn't transfer anything because he only did 2 semesters and wasn't really sure what he wanted to do so he didn't do his best work. Looking back, it would have made sense to only have to pay the University tuition rates for 2 years. It's much more affordable that way! I am looking into going back to school and will be finishing my Associates at a com. college, NOT a University for the financial reason and because if I put my mind to it, I can get just as good of an education there.

 

[julie]

Most colleges will accomodate missed days due to medical problems, actually by law (the ADA) they have to so scratch the "most" I wrote. However, I would highly recommend you consider doing your first 2 years at a community college if you've done your research and your Associates from your local Com. col. will transfer to one or two of the universities you are looking at now. Reason being, My husband choose the other route, all 4 years at a university, and we are grossly in debt. He did go to a com. college but didn't transfer anything because he only did 2 semesters and wasn't really sure what he wanted to do so he didn't do his best work. Looking back, it would have made sense to only have to pay the University tuition rates for 2 years. It's much more affordable that way! I am looking into going back to school and will be finishing my Associates at a com. college, NOT a University for the financial reason and because if I put my mind to it, I can get just as good of an education there.

 

[anonymous]

Naomi-
I think you should go to school. I had the same fears as you did when I applied to colleges. How was I going to walk around campus? What if I got sick and needed IVs? Would the professors help me out?

I go to a small liberal arts school in Pennsylvania. My cousin lives 20 minutes away so it was comforting to know that if something happened she could get to me. I also petitioned to have my car on campus as a sophomore so I could get to doctors appointments. I lived in the dorms the first two years of college. I got sick the summer going in to junior year and was told I needed a lung transplant. I didn't think I would be able to finish but I sucked it up and went back for my junior year. I lived in the sorority house my junior year and needless to say my friends did everything for me including getting me dinner and doing my laundry. After the end of my junior year I decided not to return to college and to get the transplant. Well I got the transplant and now I'm back at this wonderful place. I am currently in the second semester of my senior year. Sometimes I look back on my college experience and wonder how I got through it, but I never would have made a different decision. I am so grateful for the friendships I made here and the experience that college gives. I now live in an apartment with three of my sorority sisters and it is the best time that I have ever had...ever. Needless to say I will be one sad girl on May 20th. If you do decide to go I would suggest getting to know your professors. Go up to them after the first class, introduce yourself and tell them about CF. I found that the professors were a lot more accomodating when they knew right from the start. I still tell my professors about my situation even though I really don't need too. So this was very long winded but in short, I say go for it. Its the best four years that I have ever experienced.

Margaret
Double Lung tx 11.11.04

 

[anonymous]

Naomi-
I think you should go to school. I had the same fears as you did when I applied to colleges. How was I going to walk around campus? What if I got sick and needed IVs? Would the professors help me out?

I go to a small liberal arts school in Pennsylvania. My cousin lives 20 minutes away so it was comforting to know that if something happened she could get to me. I also petitioned to have my car on campus as a sophomore so I could get to doctors appointments. I lived in the dorms the first two years of college. I got sick the summer going in to junior year and was told I needed a lung transplant. I didn't think I would be able to finish but I sucked it up and went back for my junior year. I lived in the sorority house my junior year and needless to say my friends did everything for me including getting me dinner and doing my laundry. After the end of my junior year I decided not to return to college and to get the transplant. Well I got the transplant and now I'm back at this wonderful place. I am currently in the second semester of my senior year. Sometimes I look back on my college experience and wonder how I got through it, but I never would have made a different decision. I am so grateful for the friendships I made here and the experience that college gives. I now live in an apartment with three of my sorority sisters and it is the best time that I have ever had...ever. Needless to say I will be one sad girl on May 20th. If you do decide to go I would suggest getting to know your professors. Go up to them after the first class, introduce yourself and tell them about CF. I found that the professors were a lot more accomodating when they knew right from the start. I still tell my professors about my situation even though I really don't need too. So this was very long winded but in short, I say go for it. Its the best four years that I have ever experienced.

Margaret
Double Lung tx 11.11.04

 

[jayteeny]

Definitely apply to where you want to go. I'm from the midwest and applied to schools in California, the North and Midwest, but decided on a school about 5 hours away from home. Universities are very accomodating with students with special needs(ADA). I've been at school for a year and a half now and lived in a single dorm my first year and have a single studio apartment on campus this year. It is a little more expensive than sharing a room, but taking a chance with someone elses germs in such close quarters isn't worth what you'd save. I recently went in the hospital over winter break and missed a week of classes at the beginning of the semester. It was tough catching up, so if you have a choice, schedule regular iv tune ups during breaks so that you don't have to miss classes. Whatever you decided to do, don't let CF get in the way of your college experience. It's a great opportunity and you'll be glad you did.

 

[jayteeny]

Definitely apply to where you want to go. I'm from the midwest and applied to schools in California, the North and Midwest, but decided on a school about 5 hours away from home. Universities are very accomodating with students with special needs(ADA). I've been at school for a year and a half now and lived in a single dorm my first year and have a single studio apartment on campus this year. It is a little more expensive than sharing a room, but taking a chance with someone elses germs in such close quarters isn't worth what you'd save. I recently went in the hospital over winter break and missed a week of classes at the beginning of the semester. It was tough catching up, so if you have a choice, schedule regular iv tune ups during breaks so that you don't have to miss classes. Whatever you decided to do, don't let CF get in the way of your college experience. It's a great opportunity and you'll be glad you did.

 

[65rosessamurai]

I would have to agree to take the first two years or so at the community college, making sure ALL credits are transferrable, and then go for the Bachelor at a (Or your preferred) college from there. At least by going via the community college, you can get a good idea as to what kind of school schedule will change your lifestyle after H.S.

However, an additional suggestion is to find out how many grants or State related financial help you are qualified for. I was unfortunate to either not have bad enough health to be qualified for some grants/financial aid, or the research in those days were poor, so any grants I was qualified for wasn't properly reserched. Either way, my case ended up with after the community college graduation, I had to IMMEDIATELY find work to pay for my financial aid loans, and I was never able to go for a Bachelors. (Yep, still want one, but can't decide which direction to go, now!! e.g., IT or English related)

 

[65rosessamurai]

I would have to agree to take the first two years or so at the community college, making sure ALL credits are transferrable, and then go for the Bachelor at a (Or your preferred) college from there. At least by going via the community college, you can get a good idea as to what kind of school schedule will change your lifestyle after H.S.

However, an additional suggestion is to find out how many grants or State related financial help you are qualified for. I was unfortunate to either not have bad enough health to be qualified for some grants/financial aid, or the research in those days were poor, so any grants I was qualified for wasn't properly reserched. Either way, my case ended up with after the community college graduation, I had to IMMEDIATELY find work to pay for my financial aid loans, and I was never able to go for a Bachelors. (Yep, still want one, but can't decide which direction to go, now!! e.g., IT or English related)

 

[anonymous]

Well, I think it's that some of the things you're wondering about are the same for someone with or without CF.
Yes, a community college is cheaper. And, yes, you could live at home if you were at community college.
So are these 2 things really important to you? If so, then community college it is.
And going to a community college for 2 years and then transferring the credits (make real sure they will transfer) is something that lots of folks with limited income do.

But college is hard work ... made easier by going to a college that you like, And an hour a way is not terribly far. Close enough so parents can visit and you can get home or see your regular docs if your want to. My niece is going to a small 4-year college, living at a dorm, an hour a way from her home. And her mother (who must be exhausted) goes over twice a week to pound on her (do think a vest would be an easier, more independence-enhancing solution myself.)

Most colleges/professors will make special arrangement for you to keep up if you have to be out for medical reasons. At worst you get an incomplete untill you make up the work.

And there's lots to be said for living away from home in a dorm if you can. It's a reasonably safe step toward independence. A step toward taking care of yourself and managing your illness by yourself (rather than having your mom do it). A step toward making your own friends. Etc.


If finances aren't the deciding factor, then I'd do as one poster suggested, apply to several places and put off the actual decision until after you get your acceptances and see what living arrangements (medical support) each accepting college offers.
And then, go with your gut. Choose the college that you think you'd feel the most comfortable attending.

Good luck,
If you like going to school and if you're going to have live with CF, you might as well live with CF as a college student student - and in a few years, as a college graduate.

Take care,
LisaV

 

[anonymous]

Well, I think it's that some of the things you're wondering about are the same for someone with or without CF.
Yes, a community college is cheaper. And, yes, you could live at home if you were at community college.
So are these 2 things really important to you? If so, then community college it is.
And going to a community college for 2 years and then transferring the credits (make real sure they will transfer) is something that lots of folks with limited income do.

But college is hard work ... made easier by going to a college that you like, And an hour a way is not terribly far. Close enough so parents can visit and you can get home or see your regular docs if your want to. My niece is going to a small 4-year college, living at a dorm, an hour a way from her home. And her mother (who must be exhausted) goes over twice a week to pound on her (do think a vest would be an easier, more independence-enhancing solution myself.)

Most colleges/professors will make special arrangement for you to keep up if you have to be out for medical reasons. At worst you get an incomplete untill you make up the work.

And there's lots to be said for living away from home in a dorm if you can. It's a reasonably safe step toward independence. A step toward taking care of yourself and managing your illness by yourself (rather than having your mom do it). A step toward making your own friends. Etc.


If finances aren't the deciding factor, then I'd do as one poster suggested, apply to several places and put off the actual decision until after you get your acceptances and see what living arrangements (medical support) each accepting college offers.
And then, go with your gut. Choose the college that you think you'd feel the most comfortable attending.

Good luck,
If you like going to school and if you're going to have live with CF, you might as well live with CF as a college student student - and in a few years, as a college graduate.

Take care,
LisaV

 

[Kay]

I am a senior at Merrimack College, and I was the same way for a while when it came down to picking schools. I knew I wanted to stay somewhat close to home so I could go the doctor if I needed to easily. I chose schools about an hour or so away from my house and all pretty small...no universities for me! I know how you feel about going in all the time. I used to only go in once or twice a year but over this past year I have gone in about 4 times and two of them were within a month of each other.
As far as keeping up on school work if you can find the disablities worker on campus they help you out A LOT!!! I know you don't want to think of CF as a disablity but this person can help you set up exams or tests if you can't make them because of appointments or being in the hospital. Since Sophomore year I haven't finished a semester, I had to keep going into the hospital for treatments. I set up times when I could take final exams with the disability worker and my professors, they are all pretty understanding. They let me catch up on my own time knowing that I wouldn't skip out on the work. I have found that you should let your professors know how you are doing so they will take that into consideration and not look at you as a lazy student. I found out about this too late but I guess some professors ease up on you a little bit, they give you the work but might extend the due date or a 15 page paper may become a 10 page paper. I know I have shown all my professors that even though I had to catch up on the work I could do it all and still keep up with everything.
As far as being at college in the dorms I think it is really important!!! That is were you make your friends and have all the fun. Don't let CF stop you from doing the things you want to do just work around it. I get PT at school, take all my meds, and still have time to do everything I want. I even joined a sorority (never thought I would) and met a guy who is now my boyfriend. Everyone that is close to me knows I have CF...it is hard at first to tell them but if you get to know them and they get to know you it won't matter. You will find everyone in college has some problem and they are a lot more open minded then people in high school.

So I guess what I am trying to say is go to school and if you feel sick go home for a few days, that is what I do. I picked a school fairly close to home so if I get run down or something I just go home for the weekend or for a few days and commute to school. I get the rest I need at home but still get to go to classes so I don't fall behind. College shouldn't be looked at as something scary. It is something you get to do, that unfortunately not all CF patients do. There are actually 4 CFers here that I know of including me. If you find out someone at your school has CF get their screen name or email that way you have someone who is probably going through the same thing and you can be a sounding board for each other. Or if you would like you can contact me at anytime, I am open to talk about anything. I actually going to be on panel for my school to talk about CF and how I have handled it being here at Merrimack.

Hope this helps...and sorry it is so long I just know what you are going through because I went through the same thing!!

 

[Kay]

I am a senior at Merrimack College, and I was the same way for a while when it came down to picking schools. I knew I wanted to stay somewhat close to home so I could go the doctor if I needed to easily. I chose schools about an hour or so away from my house and all pretty small...no universities for me! I know how you feel about going in all the time. I used to only go in once or twice a year but over this past year I have gone in about 4 times and two of them were within a month of each other.
As far as keeping up on school work if you can find the disablities worker on campus they help you out A LOT!!! I know you don't want to think of CF as a disablity but this person can help you set up exams or tests if you can't make them because of appointments or being in the hospital. Since Sophomore year I haven't finished a semester, I had to keep going into the hospital for treatments. I set up times when I could take final exams with the disability worker and my professors, they are all pretty understanding. They let me catch up on my own time knowing that I wouldn't skip out on the work. I have found that you should let your professors know how you are doing so they will take that into consideration and not look at you as a lazy student. I found out about this too late but I guess some professors ease up on you a little bit, they give you the work but might extend the due date or a 15 page paper may become a 10 page paper. I know I have shown all my professors that even though I had to catch up on the work I could do it all and still keep up with everything.
As far as being at college in the dorms I think it is really important!!! That is were you make your friends and have all the fun. Don't let CF stop you from doing the things you want to do just work around it. I get PT at school, take all my meds, and still have time to do everything I want. I even joined a sorority (never thought I would) and met a guy who is now my boyfriend. Everyone that is close to me knows I have CF...it is hard at first to tell them but if you get to know them and they get to know you it won't matter. You will find everyone in college has some problem and they are a lot more open minded then people in high school.

So I guess what I am trying to say is go to school and if you feel sick go home for a few days, that is what I do. I picked a school fairly close to home so if I get run down or something I just go home for the weekend or for a few days and commute to school. I get the rest I need at home but still get to go to classes so I don't fall behind. College shouldn't be looked at as something scary. It is something you get to do, that unfortunately not all CF patients do. There are actually 4 CFers here that I know of including me. If you find out someone at your school has CF get their screen name or email that way you have someone who is probably going through the same thing and you can be a sounding board for each other. Or if you would like you can contact me at anytime, I am open to talk about anything. I actually going to be on panel for my school to talk about CF and how I have handled it being here at Merrimack.

Hope this helps...and sorry it is so long I just know what you are going through because I went through the same thing!!