OK heres my two cents worth
Rottiegirl - have you thought about homeschooling yourself to finish your HS Diploma? Some states offer courses via Internet. So you can work during the day and do your coursework at night when you get home. And of course you would have to pass state testing to get your diploma, but it can be done.
as for 91Ws WOOHOO!! If I could join the military thats what Id be.
Here in Arkansas to be a state trooper they prefer you to have a highschool diploma, a 4 year degree in Criminal Justice and/or 4 years experience in city or county law enforcement to be eligible for the 3 month boot camp they put you through.
Me I graduated highschool, went to college one year dropped out went to work in chicken plant, then while I was working 40+ hours a week and being a single mom I managed to get my EMT education and certs. And now Im working on moving and beginning Medic school getting my AAS degree in Paramedicine.
Many many many employers prefer that you have a diploma. Also you can make more money just for having a diploma versus the GED.
And read this the GED tests at the 9th grade level of education - not full completion of HS.
The only places around here that accept GEDs are Taco Bell, Sonic, McDonald's, chicken plant - but you can never be a supervisor without a Diploma - grocery store, lumber mill, and janitorial positions. Even though 80% of Americans have a HS Diploma, that Diploma opens more doors for you than a GED ever would. And more and more employers are requiring Diplomas. GEDs just dont cut it anymore. And most 4-year Universities req. a HS Diploma, and if you have a GED you must test at the freshman collegiate level before being accepted - meaning you have to test for collegiate algebra, english, literature, etc. And more and more scholarship foundations require a high school diploma in the application process.
Heres what Id do Rottie-
Go ahead an transfer from public school to homeschool. Work your 40 hours during the day and complete your coursework at home. Test for your high school diploma and have your diploma mailed to you. Then after completion of your diploma enroll in a 4 year university majoring in Criminal Justice. Carry a minimum of 16 credit hours a semester (this makes you eligible for full-time student status - which can give you certain scholarships and financial aide and discounts that part-time students dont get). Work a minimum of 39.5 hours per week in the evening such as from 3 to 11. Stay away from parties and work overtime during school breaks and spend your money wisely. Spend your non-working hours studying your butt off.
I was a college freshman taking 18 credit hours a semester working 35 hours/week, also working another 20 hours/week at a radio station, and doing another 20 hours week working at a theatre. And I was maintaining a 3.6 GPA both semesters. But my parents never had to pay a dime for my education.
As a future medic student and single mom I plan on working 3-12s on weekends from Fri-Sunday and going to school during the week. And setting high standards for myself to maintain a 3.2 GPA during my two year career as a medic student.
-Dixie
