You may have found yourself in the position of taking a leave of absence from your education while completing treatment. Once you reach the point of needing treatment, keeping up in school can often be too much of an obstacle to deal with at that time. Whether you are in the process of completing high school or furthering your education, there is always time to get back on track with your schooling.
High School Diploma
If you need to complete your high school degree, a few options are available to you. Reach out to your local high school counselor and discuss the courses you need to graduate and set up a schedule for yourself. Many high schools offer programs that allow you to test out of courses or complete your courses at an accelerated rate. If you are falling behind, you should look into these options.
The California Education Code requires a minimum of 13 courses to be completed to obtain a high school degree. Most high schools in California require 22 to 26 credits to graduate. Many charter schools will work with students to complete the 13 required courses and bypass some of the elective credits to complete their education.
If obtaining your high school diploma seems to be more challenging than it’s worth, looking into obtaining a GED or HiSET could be the right path for you. Due to the pandemic, these exams can be taken at home with an approved proctor. These exams contain four sections: mathematics, reading comprehension, science, and social studies. Achieving a passing rate on each section gives you a certificate stating you have obtained a high school level of education.
It is important to ensure that the route you choose sets you up for success with your future career plans. Some jobs may require a high school diploma, but others may not. Ensuring you take the right path to provide you with the background knowledge you need to advance your career is essential.
College Programs
If you are starting college or continuing your college education after treatment, you have an extensive range of options. First, look into your choices of colleges that provide your specific field of study. Contacting the admissions office and asking what their options are for financial aid and scholarships and how the program is formatted can help you determine if the program is a good fit for you.
Finding a degree that suits your career goals is important during your college career. It is okay if you do not know what subject you want to study at first. Taking general courses in college can help you discover that. Once you decide the path that best suits you, you can begin working toward success in your particular field. Finding a career path that is intriguing to you can make the workload easier.
Other Forms of Education
Our society often encourages the typical path of finishing high school and then going to college. However, many career fields require a different style of education to prepare you for the work other than a college degree. If attending college to further your education does not advance your long-term career goals, it is okay to look into alternatives.
Trade school is a common form of education for those in some industries. If your career goals fall into the categories of cosmetology, construction, web development, electrical and plumbing, or similar occupations, you probably do not need a college degree. Instead, these careers often require specific training that can be completed through a trade school. Trade school programs can usually be completed at your own pace and often have cheaper tuition than most university programs.
Finding your passion and excelling in your education in that field can be done in many different ways. Look at the available options and make the decision that feels right for both your current mental state and your long-term career goals. There is no correct answer and no best option.
Extracurricular Activities
Keep an eye out for extracurricular activities your school offers. Engaging in school activities can help you establish a social circle and develop a sense of pride for your school. Many college campuses offer mental health services or have extracurricular groups focused on improving mental health. Joining these groups or taking advantage of these resources can create a safety net within your institution.
Keep Your Focus on Recovery
Continuing your education will introduce many new tasks and worries into your daily life while you are in school. Ensuring that you keep your primary focus on recovery is key to success. Take on an amount of coursework that is manageable for you with your current mental state. Try not to push yourself to complete more than you are mentally capable of handling. Education takes time. Allowing yourself the time you need to retain information and get through your program successfully drastically increases your chance of completing your desired level of education.
Continuing your education after treatment can be an intimidating task. Whether you are returning to high school or college or seeking another form of education, there are many resources to help you get started and stay on track with your educational progress. Reach out to your high school, college, or trade school and discuss with your advisors what options are available to you. Educational programs have resources to help you overcome the difficulty of planning your schedule and working toward academic achievement. You are in charge of managing those responsibilities while continuing your progress in recovery. Take on a load of coursework that is manageable for you with your current mental state and allow yourself time to relax during the process. Overwhelming yourself with work may cause you to fall further behind in the future. For help managing your recovery while furthering your education after treatment, reach out to Dream Recovery at (949) 732-1960.
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