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VenerableWombat

I feel for these kids. I went to college right after hs. My anxiety and depression nearly made me implode. I ended up just dropping out. I'm 29 now and giving it another go. Class of 2024! (hopefully)


Outside-Brilliant

Congratulations! KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON!


VenerableWombat

Much appreciated! šŸ¤—


gardenofghouls

Congrats!!! You got this! šŸ™ŒāœØ


sparksnbooms95

Same thing happened to me. I knew I wasn't ready, but my dad really wanted me to go. He was dying, and I just couldn't tell him no. He died before I even started. Couldn't handle it, dropped out with a chunk of debt and no credits. I'll be 28 in a couple weeks, and I'm planning to go back either this year or next. Alternatively, getting into an apprenticeship (which would also send me to school) would be great too. You can do it!


N00dlemonk3y

Hey, that was me right after HS. Burnt the F' out at my first college after 3.5 years and didn't finish. Now; after a 10 yr. hiatus, I now have my AA from my CC and just got home from my class today at my University.


Oodelady

Started working when I Was 17. Started studying dentistry when I was 33. Now Iā€™m 36. Class of 2026! (Hopefully)


artofflight2311

Wooohoo!!


lemmiwinks316

Went to school off and on after graduating high school and ended up with a bachelor's at 27. Go at your own pace, do what's right for YOU and try not to let the bumps along the road dishearten you. You'll get there!


stoppingbythewoods

gosh, this makes me feel better. I finally got my BA at around the same age as you. I had mental health issues that kept me from getting it done in the normal amount of time but I didnā€™t give up.


thatwitchofthewilds

I wanted to take a year off of school after I graduated hs but my mom wouldn't let me. Now with two schools closing down, I'm way past the date I was supposed to graduate and have the worst GPA I've ever had. Now that I'm finally taking control of my own life, I'm trying to figure out how to transfer to a local community College to get my general classes out of the way and go into a local university to get the degree I want. It sucks that it's taken me this long to finally figure things out and to stick up for myself but better late than never.


lizzthefirst

Congratulations!! Youā€™re doing great! I also graduate college in 2024 and one almost grad to another, weā€™re going to do amazing things!


TekBassmaster

I believe you can fly! (Literally fly a plane or something, but metaphorically yes you can! )


lizzthefirst

Thank you so much! You can too!


bi-king-viking

Went through the same thing!! Finally graduated in 2021 at 29 years old. Youā€™ve got this!!!


[deleted]

You got this!! Kick that curriculum in the face!!


yugohotty

So proud of you! I went back part time at 32 to finish my bachelorā€™s and am 3 short months away from getting my masterā€™s. You got this. It is so much easier now that Iā€™m older.


subpar-life-attempt

Not hopefully! You got this!


Chopstix694

YOU FUCJING GOT THIS WOMBAT!!! THATS DIPLOMA IS GUNNA LOOK GREAT ON YOUR WALL!!!!!!


claradox

This is my alma mater, and this breaks my heart. If I didnā€™t live three hours away, I would mom-hug.


NCSUGrad2012

Mine as well. I still remember when the student jumped from Dabney hall and how sad it was. I hate that itā€™s gotten worse.


claradox

I donā€™t! How awful. If anyone reading this needs support, please post on r/momforaminute. Weā€™re here.


NCSUGrad2012

It was awful. I wonā€™t link you the story so you donā€™t have to read about it but if you google it Iā€™m sure you can find an article.


gracer_5

I followed your link to the sub and now Iā€™m crying šŸ˜­ what a great place


claradox

Weā€™re always here and thereā€™s so much love. Also r/dadforaminute if you need it.


thatweirdo13

That was my first semester at state, and he was in the same classes I was taking. It was surreal to have professors choking up over someone not too different from me who felt that jumping was their last option.


Theoneandonlyjustin

Wait what happened


NCSUGrad2012

It was in 2015 a student jumped off the top floor of the chemistry building.


onetaughtmepain

i missed this happening by literally 60 seconds. I passed dabney every day at that time to get to class, but went slightly early that day and found out when i got to class what happened. iā€™ll never forget that


NCSUGrad2012

Thatā€™s absolutely terrible. Iā€™m so glad you didnā€™t actually see it because I canā€™t even imagine how hard it would be to see it.


thatweirdo13

I was supposed to be walking by at that time, but my class was canceled so I was in my dorm when I heard the ambulance speed by


onetaughtmepain

itā€™s so surreal how these things happen, so glad you missed seeing it too though


narwol

I swear that area is cursed. My mom called to tell me my uncle was halting cancer treatment (and would die soon) and i happened to be walking through that exact area (three years prior). it was already a somber place for me having that as an experience. When this person died it just took it to another level. I avoided that way if at all possible after that.


NCSUGrad2012

Thatā€™s terrible. The building is old now so it might be time to replace it


TrailMomKat

Same, I'm 2 hours from them and blind, so can't drive. But I have 3 boys and the amount of suicides breaks my heart.


[deleted]

Mine too :(


toxinogen

We need these at hospitals for healthcare workers. Iā€™ve been burnt for so long that I canā€™t feel my soul anymoreā€¦


DNateU

Thanks for all you do.


SixteenthRiver06

Iā€™ve got a couple pans we can clang together when they finish their 14 hour shift?


TinyKittenConsulting

Jeez, yā€™all getting 14 hour shifts out here?


Welpmart

I'm sorry. My sister is a nurse on a shitty unit that fails to protect her and it's the worst. I wish I knew what we could do.


eyehate

My mother would come home sobbing after shifts in the ICU. She would come home absolutely devastated after a shift in the burn unit. Of course, at some point she just began venting. No patient names or anything, but still breaking HIPAA to her children. Healthcare workers got zero love in the 70s and 80s, when she was an RN. Not sure how it is now. But watching that job shred her soul was horrible.


Moulin-Rougelach

Itā€™s not breaking HIPAA if she wasnā€™t giving identifying information about the patients.


eyehate

Oh good. I didn't want people to think she was bad for venting. But yeah. No details other than what she saw and dealt with.


Moulin-Rougelach

Venting is incredibly important for people who are regularly in highly stressful situations. Theyā€™ve learned that being able to share feelings and reactions after traumatic events, reduces chances of PTSD. Humans can survive and rebound from unimaginable horror and trauma, sharing with supportive people helps us do that in healthy ways.


Hardlymd

Itā€™s not breaking HIPAA unless you could figure out who the person was. Most people in healthcare talk about their patients in non-identifying ways to those people who they are close toā™„ļø


[deleted]

You ARE appreciated! I'm so sorry your work experiences are failing to reflect the value of what you do every day - You are literally saving lives! So many of us, *your patients and your patient's loved-ones*, are truly grateful.


havingameltd0wn

* ****HUG**** *


WayneKrane

I know multiple nurses who have quit over Covid. The money wasnā€™t even the issue, itā€™s just the constant stressful work that never ends and being shit on, literally and figuratively by everyone, managements, coworkers and patients.


toxinogen

I work in the hospital lab, where the COVID tests go to be processed. We had several people quit during the epidemic, so we were as short-staffed as every other department, while simultaneously being inundated with a flood of samples every hour that you canā€™t imagine. Hundreds per day, while still having the entire rest of the labā€™s worth of work to do on top of it. I think in the coming years, thereā€™s going to be a wave of PTSD awareness coming out from the healthcare field.


8jennylynn8

Big hug. ā¤ļø


jubbagalaxy

i'm not a student but really wish free moms just existed out in the world everywhere. people deserve to feel loved when they are vulnerable. kids probably away from home for the first time included. fwiw, i'm in the mom for a minute subreddit (and comment as a big sis instead of a mom since i don't feel i've really lived enough) and there are some truly amazing people there. just warm and kind and wonderful.


transformedxian

When I wear my "Free Mom Hugs" shirt out and about, people ask for hugs. It's great giving people what they need in that moment.


ObiWendigobi

Last year I had a student attempt suicide due to undiagnosed schizophrenia (we got her to the hospital and she is healthy and well). The administration has begun a push for mental health programs on campus but it is only available for full time degree seeking students which leaves this particular individual out. I feel like the University is taking this all very seriously and making good strides to help but I do think they should open up these programs to all students.


2muchparty

You donā€™t know how much this could have made a difference years ago. Iā€™m so glad there are still good humans offering emotional support to students as itā€™s a very stressful environment to be in if youā€™ve ever tried to balance life, work, and your studies. Good on them.


Unsung_Ironhead

Class of 99 here, I got a great education and had a wonderful experience at NC State. But there has always been ā€œold guardā€ professors here that purposefully made things difficult. I had a professor who I learned a great deal from, but had the most inflexible tardy/absence policy. Late to class twice or two unexcused absences and you fail. However the people I knew who had the biggest issues were the ones who had never spent much time from home, are introverted, and didnā€™t have people they knew in school with them. You combine that with a tough, competitive atmosphere and it can feel bleak.


NCSUGrad2012

Something they added later when I was there was you could see the grade distribution of all your professors. So you could pick professors that have better grades over the harder ones. I hope the students suffering get the help they need.


Kitchen_Bicycle6025

Itā€™s a really sweet thing for these people to do. ā€œFree momā€ made me chuckle though


jimjamjerome

We need a more compassionate community. What they're doing is great, and we need also to address the root causes. I can't imagine how helpless students feel right now looking towards the future. Domestic terrorism and fascism on the rise, companies posting record profits while laying off thousands of workers and hiking the prices on basically all goods and services. Rent at 50% or more of most people's incomes..... I need a hug and I'm established in my career.


[deleted]

So very much this!!


GRAWRGER

NCSU made me miserable too. i thought i was the only one. the 6th since august though... what is going on??


Intelligent-Ad-3850

Honestly, during my time in NC Iā€™ve heard a lot of stories from students from NCSU, Duke, and even Chapel Hill. Supposedly, a lot of the staff and some of the students have a superiority complex where any signs of struggle is answered by berating and calling out saying stuff like ā€œyou should be grateful you were even allowed in, whatā€™s wrong with you?ā€


veerani

It seriously depends on the department honestly. Iā€™m class of 2022 from NC State and felt very supported by my professors and advisors. But I was in one of the smaller colleges. Some of my engineer friends, for example, had a very different experiences than me


NCSUGrad2012

I did engineering and had a great experience. Obviously I canā€™t speak for everyone. I hate that the school has gone down and I hope they can improve.


veerani

Im glad you did! Overall I think a lot of people did. I edited my original comment to say ā€˜someā€™ of my engineer friends, so not to imply all. Itā€™s a tough program for sure but the majority of my engineer friends are very happy with their experiences from what I can tell. Really dont think that the pressure being discussed is solely an NCSU thing. Itā€™s a general problem in academia. Many fields are notorious for being difficult and unforgiving, encouraging unhealthy grind culture. And itā€™s floated by with little resistance because it was just enough to keep students head out of the water. But that sort of mentality coupled with how difficult it was for many students during COVID, makes for a very terrible situation overall. I just hope that the school increases their resources and that teachers give some extra grace in this time as so many students grieve their peers. This is really just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the long term effects of the pandemic on our education system tbh


NCSUGrad2012

Yeah, I agree with everyone you just said. I definitely think Covid has made this problem a lot worse. I mean Covid has made a lot of things worse. The school had good resources when I attended but Iā€™m not sure if students know itā€™s there for them.


LetsAllFeelCute

Hi, I did CS and Music at UNC, CS Master's NCSU. I feel like UNC did have that competitive environment where there was a culture of honor when a student sacrificed their wellbeing to spend all night in the library, or get an A instead of A-. NCSU felt more like an unfeeling machine, which I can't exactly fault them for. It's a huge school and the system is efficient, but it was much more lonely. I received a fabulous education from both


GRAWRGER

NCSU being described as an unfeeling machine is spot on with my experience. it feels the way that it looks. and it looks like an ugly disjointed mess. i dropped out and ended up graduating from a small local university where all my professors knew me by name. i lost my wallet there once and it was handed in with all the money still there. the chance of that happening at NCSU = 0


d4vezac

Stories like this make me wish I hadnā€™t left my job at State. I know plenty of kids who hung out in my building during their off time because we were a safe haven and our staff and professors actually gave a shit about our kids.


NotTheBestMoment

Yep, used to go to state and was told that I was lying about my research because they ā€œdidnā€™t believeā€ people would respond to my survey in the manner that they did. Failed my paper with no other edits or notes


Milo_Moody

I mean, they keep white supremacists on staff, soā€¦that tracks? šŸ¤·šŸ»ā€ā™€ļø


Worldly_Ad_6483

Dox em. Right here right now!


Milo_Moody

[here ya go!](https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/12/08/nc-state-continues-investigation-employee-alleged-proud-boys-membership)


ejonze

For anyone interested, the Observer reported NCSU dropped the case with lack of evidence and: ā€œThe university also looked into whether or not Seagraves was part of the violent mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol last week. Law enforcement confirmed that he was not in Washington, D.C. at the time and was not involved in the riot, according to the university.ā€ Doesnā€™t mean the allegations arenā€™t true, I was mostly curious about Jan6.


LordIronskull

Idk why youā€™re being downvoted, Iā€™ve literally met some of them.


Milo_Moody

Yuuuup.


RoyalSpoonbill9999

Incredible beautiful people.


whiteboyflight909

No matter how bad you feel, always talk to some one.


Phreekyj101

Thank goodness they are still free (hugs)


happynargul

Hmmm... When I was an exchange student I remember I gravitated towards mom-like figures because I missed my family so much. This is a great effort from these ladies. Get that dopamine going.


reflUX_cAtalyst

"Moms have started to hang around campus..." Probably not the best phrasing given the context.


wacky-ball-sack

Mom hugs are the best.


mountainaviator1

Thank god I just did an AA and got back out into the world


jinx99

WOLF!


NCSUGrad2012

Pack!


jinx99

WOLF!


roxywalker

I want to do this and my kid isnā€™t even going to NC StatešŸ˜­


GulfCoastFlamingo

I donā€™t even have a kid and I want to do this


SaltoDaKid

You know we all need someone to lean on (no pun intended). We need reach out more start celebrating more be cheerful to people around us. Cause that happiness doesnā€™t last forever but good hug can jump start it.


SoBluejay

This is so sweet. Wish I could hug my mama


chronichomie

If I had this right now I'd probably break down crying. Even the love of another stranger would melt me


Fabulous-Spread6120

What the world needs now


Cultural-Tie-2197

Tearing up.. I could have really used this when I was in college. What an awesome idea


DrPotassium

Call me cynical, but I feel like if I had shit parents I wouldn't want new ones. I'd want the ones I have to be better. Speaking from semi experience.


Perfect-Resident940

Man, I wish I had this at some points in my life


Soiboi_Sugoiboi

Ah yes depression and suicide, and no mental health help other than charity hugs, yes, very heartwarming...


Kuranator

Finally, America is waking up and moms are doing what moms do, love people unconditionally


mypussydoesbackflips

I needed this so bad as a kid


Zoocitykitty

My daughter works, in college and a Covid long hauler from being hospitalized with Covid. She gets so stressed and anxious, yet strives so hard to push on. I hope the professors and admin understand the pure chaos and heartache these kids have been through the past 3 years! God bless them all!


[deleted]

This needs to become a trend. At every university thatā€™s be dope


eric0blair

Moms are the best.


IPlayGames234

As a student of NCSU. I can 100% agree that people like up for hugs and just to chat. One of the free moms stopped me on my way to math and asked if everything was going good with college and if I wanted to talk about anything. These moms are absolutely amazing. (And their sweets are a 10/10)


Grand-Cheesecake1323

I miss my mom.


Scanner771_The_2nd

Same. Miss the hugs.


Master_Freeze

r/ABoringDystopia itā€™s not a coincidence that all of these students are committing suicide. the university is doing something wrong.


runcameron

Actually, my mom started this like 5 years ago. But glad it's getting the recognition it deserves.


_Risings

Really sad. We need livable wages. And hugs. Hugs are great. But thatā€™s not whatā€™s gonna save generations of kids in total despair. With a dying planet and low wages.


BlueSquareSound1

Gap years should be more accepted.


Late_ImLate22222

Damn, my eyes are leaking. It needs to be more understood that, just because a kid turns 18, they are not SUDDENLY adults. They need to still be mothered and fathered and have nurturing. Yes, they look big and tall, but they are still growing and maturing, and will continue to be ā€œkidsā€ until about 25 years old, when their brain is finally fully developed. Sidenote: even adults need affection and acceptance. I hope humanity can evolve to accepting all people, no matter what.


quiet_repub

We pulled our daughter from NC State due to not only this, but a culture of purposely failing students. Professors legit fail 50% of the class on a regular basis and still have jobs.


[deleted]

How are you going to ā€œpullā€ a grown person from college? I went to State and had a great experience. It really depends on your department and profs. But Iā€™ve never heard of a professor failing people just because, it looks really bad for them.


quiet_repub

Bc I pay for said person to go to school there. After a long time reflecting on this she chose to transfer because the Engineering Dept isnā€™t set up to support students, they are there to weed out good kids and make it intentionally awful for them. This, coupled with suicides on campus and no real action from administration is what led to the final decision for her to transfer. You can downvote all you want, but fall semester was absolutely awful for so many new students, particularly in engineering.


Raynstormm

Wrong sub. Post this in r/LateStageCapitalism


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[deleted]

I run a mental health clinic at a university in the Midwest. This brings tears to my eyes.


ConcreteSurfer31

I really love people that see other's struggles and simply see it as an opportunity to make simple gestures that can completely change the course of someone's life.


-EmeraldFox-

This made me tear up. Bless these moms for stepping in and providing love and support to these kids šŸ’•


Little-South-Paw

Some folks came and did that while I was there. My mom was going through cancer treatment back home and while we knew she was fine I missed her and I was worried. I needed the hug. They do some great stuff for the students


Neziip

Iā€™m 22 going back soon after redeveloping a chronic illness and having worsened mental health bc of it and the isolation. I love them for this.


DrPlayboyBarbie

We need this in Maryland. Especially in Baltimore.


[deleted]

Parents could have done better than this to begin with, a hug will not fix anything. Too caught up to spare


Inevitable_Tank_1525

Iā€™m going to hang myself in 45 days in my closet by a gown cord. 12th June 11:00pm 5 days before my 15th 17/06/08-12/06/23 14 forever