I'm 17 years old, and I've been wanting to get back into college. The problem is, I left school at the end of 2006, without completing Year 9. I turned 16 in January 2007.

The reason I left school, was not because I had other things to do. It's just that I had so much problems at home, and I had no support from anyone. I really didn't even have enough money to buy food, or books, or sometimes even a bus fare to get there.

I know sometimes people encounter this situation themselves one day, but I was pretty much emotionally drained, I really couldn't push myself. I tried though, believe me I did... prior to my last school leave, I had problems in switching schools (I moved a lot, seeing as my parents are both divorced).. and I remember bargaining with the co-ordinator & basically breaking down a couple times in front of him, just to get some hope into being at that school.

My mum never came with me, even though sometimes it was compulsory for her to come. I used to walk to school & enroll myself the best way I could.

Right now, my life is a little better. I have my own job, my area is peaceful & I have quite a bit more support than I did back then. But Ive always missed something in my life... I've missed the chance of education I failed to achieve.

I want to be able to go to school again like any normal 17 year old would do. I want to be able to learn & open a broader view of choices in my interest. I want to finish Year 9, 10 & if I'm super confident, I would like to believe I have a chance at VCE studies in Year 11 & 12.

Sometimes I feel I'll never get this chance again & that this dream is over forever.

But I'm willing to work my last breath to confirm that as true, because right now I'm still confused as to what is definate & what is not.

Has anyone else gone back to school at a near age of 17?... or at Year 9 or 10?... is there still a chance for me to finish Year 9 & onwards?...

Is it impossible for me to do this?...

The reason why I'm asking here is because I don't know where else to ask, and I'm so ashamed of this situation that I really need some advice from a few people who aren't face to face with me... I would really appreciate if some people helped me out with this. It would mean the world to me.

Thanks, Jase.

Jase,

Your desire to further your education is commendable and there's nothing at all there for you to be ashamed of in your experiences of outside forces having made it difficult for you to continue your education in the past.

It is to your credit that you have found work in this time and been able to establish some stability in your life.

I do not think that there will be too many of your age on the forum or even older people who have had similar experiences, but to get that education under your belt, there's a number of issues to be addressed

. Do you have to keep working to support yourself?
. If so, is it possible to do sufficient part-time work without overloading yourself?

It is natural that you will feel conscious of being older than others in a class in going back to school after a break, but do not let that deter you.

Is it possible to minimise that by even seeking to get a late start this year?
That may be possible depending onwhat stage you got to at year 9.

I would be going along to a school and seeking an appointment with the principal or student counsellor to see what could be worked out.

The other way of approaching it and it will still be a hard slog is to find out whether there are any alternate night classes but for years 9 up to 11 I would doubt it and it would be a longer slog.

But the best place to get advice on the matter will be a school and if you do not get a good hearing at one, then try another but with a genuine desire to learn I'd expect that you will get a reasonable hearing.

"Just Do It" I used to see on a few Tshirts, and no better time than now to make a move.

Come back and let us know how you fare or to get some further ideas.

Good Luck

If you are determined and serious about going back I dont see the problem