I am 21 years old, I'm female, and I have a 3 year old daughter. Being a mother at a young age has not bee easy, since I was a senior in High School I knew my academic goals would have to be on hold for a while, but I never thought It would take longer. I graduated from High School 5 years ago, and while working fulltime, being a mother, and going to school part time(only taking two or one class per semester) has been really hard for me.
Most of my classmates from 2006 are graduating this year from mostly a 4 year program. and I can't help but feeling anxious and sad about my school future.
My boyfriend who is also taking a few classes per semester, working full time. We, both have a hard time between paying day care, school supplies, classess, and living expenses.
I've taken mostly all my prereq classes for Nursing, but now I don't know if i should go for med school because that has been my goal since I was 6 years old, and maybe take my premed classes in a community college while my boyfriend finishes his classess first and then help me out.
I don't know what to do with my life.
I love my daughter and my boyfriend, but i don't know what to do, people say that taking premed courses in a Community College will afect my Medical school aceptance, but that the only thing i can afford right now because i have to pay rent, day care, college classes, and other expenses.
Please, give me your advice i will really appreciated any idea of yours.
Thanks.

Wow, it sounds like there is a lot going on for you. I know you will hear mixed opinions about this, but I took almost all of my premed courses at community colleges, and I got into med school. So, it is possible. I was in a similar position, but with geographical considerations, as well. Community college was 20 minutes away, the nearest university was an hour away. I was actually very impressed with the quality of education I recieved. Good luck figuring things out, and remember that it feels like a long time between now and reaching your goal of medical school (if that's what you decide on), but it will go faster than you think. I can't believe I am finally at this point.

oh honey... I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling. I think it's a struggle for all of us, but definitely at different levels.
I also felt "behind" when some of my high school classmates were graduating from college with their bachelors degrees. But think about this when you get depressed about it: do any of them have a 3 yr old daughter? If they have kids at all, they're probably in the sleep deprivation stage, and you're probably long past that (well, you're not feeding her every 3 hrs like you did back in the day)! All my other friends that have degrees aren't dating, aren't married, and don't have kids. So don't worry too much about it.
Here's a sample plan DH and I are trying at the moment: because med school takes forever, he's putting me through school first, then while I'm in med school, we'll live off of student loans and he'll stay home with my son (or kids, hopefully!), and he'll work on his degree to keep himself from going crazy with boredom.
Right now we both work full time, and it's stressful, so I know. I work full-time nights though so maybe switching your job so you don't have to put your daughter in daycare anymore will help with your finances. I only spend $15/week on daycare so I can go to a lab on friday afternoons. If you have family that's close you could even have free daycare as they help you. The only challenge to this plan is keeping up on dates with the hubby since our schedules are the complete opposite. But that's something we can do without for a little while.
It's doable, so hang in there and don't give up! BTW, I was going in for my BSN and changed that because it'd take me an extra 6 years to get everything completed and ready to apply for med school. I changed my major and I'm finishing it in less than 3 years. Saves me money, time, and a HUGE headache!

IC2488 I can totally relate to you about feeling "behind". A few of my highschool friends are getting ready to graduate with four year degrees and it makes me feel a little down, okay ALOT. Even though I do have a soon to be three year old daughter and will be graduating from the RN/ADN program at my local community college next month I feel like I wasted time or short changed myself. I dunno, maybe im just too hard on myself. My nursing degree in no way gets me ahead as far as medical school is concerned. And honestly, I didnt expect it too but I felt that my General education classes would atleast transfer to the university at a higher level.I in no way was trying to use nursing as a stepping stone I acually enjoy nursing. I could not decide on MD versus NP/CRNA so I decided to go along with nursing and see how I felt about it. I heard it is best to try all other options, or atleast think about them. It seems like I will have to start all over. But i will have to talk with an advisor to be certain. We share very similar stories, you are right almost exact.We should keep in touch, we could really help each other through this.

To future mrs.Md I see you were going to get your BSN primarily were you an RN or were you going to do one of those 18 mos accelerated BSN programs? If you were not an RN what was your undergrad degree, if you dont mind my asking? What is your new major? thanks!

You sound like an amazing person.

If medicine is what you really want to do, you are 21 years old...and not behind by any stretch. Take as many courses at the junior college as you can, transfer to a 4 year college to take your upper level classes, sit the MCAT and go for it.

Kris

I would say go for it.. you will probably have to get more money in loans and cut back your expensenses. I am a single mom of two young kids and Im 21 as well. I have been taking some classes at the local university but its not going to be easy...

I know multiple people who've done their first 2 years at community college and gone on to med school, including top-5 programs.

Best of luck! I know quite a few people who have gone back to school to eventually pursue medical school. It's a long road, but it's worth it if you really love it!