Dropped Class

Oh how stressful first world problems can be...

So, I dropped my Math class because I had low grades and I felt it would be better to pull out now, before it ends up effecting my GPA. I just had too much of a work load with 5 classes and a job. So thats done, don't have to worry about that class until next semester. Plus I'm planning on only taking 3 classes next semester because I CAN!

Anyway the problem is, my parents don't know. They aren't the kind to banish me from Equestria and then lock me in a cage in the place where they banished me to. I'm not worried about being punished. In fact, they have said on many occasions "[my name here] is in college now, he is too old to be told what to do" because they know I am a somewhat responsible young adult.

They have the right to know about something like this seeing as how they payed for the class (when I retake the class I will pay for it myself). I want to show them that I am as responsible as they think I am, and telling them about it should be an easy solution. The reason I'm worried is, well, let me explain:

I was never a straight 'A' student in middle school or high school. I usually just coasted through my classes, sometimes just scraping by by the skin of my teeth. I'm not proud of those moments and I know I put my parents through a lot of stress.

After my graduation ceremony, when my mom had my diploma in her hands she cried. She never cries. She never seems to get sad or angry or anything. She is always optimistic and happy, and whenever there is a problem she fixes it. I have never once heard her let loose a swear word (something I admire greatly), and I've definitely NEVER seen her shed tears.

She told me the reason she cried that day wasn't because she was happy for me (not that she wasn't happy for me) but because that meant I passed, and she wouldn't have to worry or stress over it anymore. At the time I was unaware of how much I was hurting her, and I never want to make her go through that again.

She has told everyone how proud she is of me, always in my room "studying" and "working on my school work". If she knew I was being overwhelmed again, it might crush her.

So wat do? I just dropped the class on wednesday and I've been spending the hour I have off driving around before going home. I still think that they don't need to know about it and I haven't told anyone. Do you guys think I should tell them? Or should I keep it a secret, something to laugh about when we're all older? Thanks in advance for your responses.

Wow, I can't believe no one posted? I was just reading this for the first time a few minutes ago, and I thought I'd let you hear some advice.

If you really want to show your parents that you're trying to be responsible and you want to do the right thing, I would tell them in the same way you typed it here, example: "Hey Dad/Mom, I need to talk to about something. I've been overwhelmed with taking five classes, working at my job, ..."

You could ask them next time you have dinner or are all together to talk about something that has been bothering you (and then tell them collectively), or, you might want to get each parent one-on-one, and explain it to them separately. If you think your mom might respond badly to it, you might want to consider pulling your dad aside first, explaining to him why you dropped the class, and ask him his advice on how to handle telling your mom (with your concerns on how she'll react).

It sounds like you have a pretty close communication with your parents, and if it's anything like the relationship with my parents (it sounds pretty similar), it sounds like things will be rocky at first, but it will benefit to say it earlier than later. I know from my own personal experience, my parents expect me to be open and honest about certain problems as much as possible, and they appreciate if we discuss things instead of letting them drop and then making an "excuse" for it (which, it may not be, but it would look more like an excuse if you let it drop for too long and never said anything). If your parents are paying for the class, there is a good chance this might be something they would want to hear about right away. If you can get them before they find out on their own, you can explain in better detail why things did or did not work, and what you can do to improve for next time.

I don't know if I'm too late or not, but hopefully this will help you out. If there is any news on the subject, let me know and I might be able to give further advice.

You should tell her, she would understand the decision that you made. Don't worry that much, my sister just dropped out of highschool (she didn't do that good in school because she had a lot of problems) and my mom understands that there are limits for different people. If you keep on holding on that secret you're only hurting yourself more, just tell her about it, it is better to tell the truth.

Thanks guys for replying and giving advice. Even though the advice is consistent and you all have good reason for it, I am still reluctant to tell them... I don't know why. Here is an update on the matter though: I just dropped my Economics class as well because there were several online quizzes and homework assignments that I missed. ****, why am I just now learning about this stuff? I'm kind of feeling down right now. So much for being capable of handling this stuff on my own.

No one is perfect when it comes to doing things by yourself and plus who says that college is easy there will always be challenges in the way.
Just hang in there, manage your schedule, and take some classes during summer vacation (are there classes in summer).

I would try to explain that you are doing this in order to improve your grades, not because you don't want to take as many classes. That should help you get the point to your mom that you really are serious about your education. If you tell her it lets you focus more effort on the classes that matter, she'll still be proud of you.

Dropping classes isn't the end of the world unless your college gives you limits. My college lets us drop 16 credits over our time there, I suppose as an incentive to only drop the ones you have to.

Well, your parents are the ones paying. However, it was definitely WAY smart for you to drop it if you were struggling. I would suggest you still tell them, but make sure they understand (just like you do) that it was for your best interest.

Don't sweat it. People drop classes *all* the time in college. I dropped a womens' studies class because the professor was awful!

It's just a part of college, so I hope your folks can understand.

Thanks y'all for the support. You make me feel in a time of uncertainty and . Trying to make light of the situation is the only thing keeping me sane right now so..... woooo.

It seems I'm having trouble convincing myself that it was the right thing to do and that things will be better off in the end. But you're all right. *sigh* I do need to tell them, and they will probably understand. Most likely.

I guess I've just never been in this situation before and I feel a bit sick to my stomach over the whole thing. I'll get over it somehow. I mean, now I only have to deal with a couple classes! Surviving the rest of the semester is going to be easy! I've just gotta keep telling myself that and not look back. Can't change the past right?

Oh and yeah, I could take summer classes. I'm sure if I only take a few each semester I won't get so backed up.

Show them your post up there.

Clearly, you're upset about it, but it had to be done. Your sincere, and it seems like you're going to make up for it.

You just need to chill. It's not the end of the world. There's going to be time to make that class up.
Explain it to them like you did us.

Well, really, it's up to you whether or not you want to tell your parents.

But having been in college for a while now (too long), I know how normal it is to drop a class. Don't second guess yourself- you went with your gut. If you're struggling with a grade, keeping that class is going to ultimately hurt your GPA. Even if you CAN bring it up, your other classes are likely to suffer, you have a higher risk of "burning out" and bombing everything, and you might end up being unhappy.

Summer school is always an option, as is a fifth year. Don't stress about it! Go at your own pace. =)

You won't really know how they actually feel if you don't tell them.

I am sure if you tell them, they will support regardless. Don't keep it in the bottle; let them know.

I did not do well in college, and I told my mom about it, and she was not very happy, but I told her I was stressed after not getting good grades in high school, being an outcast, and having a tough overall life, and that stress carried on, but I'm over it.

I went off the subject, but, as the other guys said, try taking less classes, and like the guys above said, it's college. You are going to have stumbles along with some moments that you flourish.

*DEEP BREATH* It's over. I told my parents and they are all proud of me and stuff. Thanks everyone, I love you guys *hugs*

Good job. I knew they'd understand.

I'm glad you've told them, do you feel better now?