more random stuff from the radio...

... there was a man who is an employee, on staff at the State University being interviewed. Telling about how students who have dropped out of college can withdraw without it having a negative effect on their GPA. I don't know if it is 'universal' in that it is an option in other states, but apparently a fact here. Even long after the student has moved on, years later, and is ready for a change. Making an effort to clean up a less than stellar history to improve chances for success in the future.

There was another man telling his story during this program, of trying to get into law school, though he had dropped out decades ago. You cannot help but admire someone who will tell a heart wrenching story about their personal trials. Even with the anonymity of radio, willing to reveal some pretty sordid details. As a way to help other people see that there is a solution to something that might have been considered insurmountable.

His guy had been in the Air Force Academy, and had been forced to leave during his first year, due to poor grades. He said he was stressed, anxious and depressed. Returned to his home state, enrolled at a public university but struggled to succeed. Eventually dropped out, and was later diagnosed as bi-polar. Which can be devastating to employment success, relationships and pretty much every facet of life. He was appealing his grades that resulted from failure to attend class, affecting his GPA. As well as goal of getting into law school.

There was a  pretty comprehensive process required to document his personal, social and medical history. But he was willing to reveal all the struggles he went through, ending up on social security/disability when he was so low he could not support himself. And all that financial and emotional distress was provable, through medical history and government sources. Finally allowing the committee at the state university to agree to remove failing grades from his transcript and vastly improving his GPA.

Again: I so admire someone who has dealt with something that affects many in our society. And is willing to be open and share his travails in order to reveal his experience to others, and provide the encouragement that they too can make changes in their lives to succeed. I cannot even remember his name, but it was a pretty impressive story.