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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fallsfall on October 28, 2005, at 18:21:18
I have been accepted into a graduate Library Science program. I'm pretty excited, and know that I really like working in libraries.
The really good news is that I'm working with the Vocational Rehabilitation center in my state and they are going to help me pay for school. I've been disabled (on SSDI) with depression for 10 years, and this library program will let me change careers to something less stressful. I found out yesterday that they will pay for tuition, fees and books! Pretty cool!
But they won't pay for travel. I chose an online program so that I could continue to work parttime at my library and see my therapist 3/week. Plus I have a daughter who is a senior in high school, so I'm not mobile at the moment. There is one Library school that is (almost) within commuting distance - but it is much more expensive, and I don't like the classes as much as the program I chose. One of the selling points for the program I chose was that, even WITH travel expenses, it is 2/3 the cost of the more local one.
I know that graduate school is a bit more than Voc Rehab usually pays for people. But it IS what I need. I am asking them to help me change careers so that I will be able to work at an occupation that will challenge me and allow me to support myself.
So my Voc Rehab counselor wants me to ask my parents if they can help with the travel expenses. My parents have the money to pay it, and they would probably be happy to do so. But I'm not sure I want to ask them to.
First of all, I'm 48 years old. When am I supposed to start supporting myself?? Second, if I had chosen the local program, they would have willingly paid more money for tuition there. Why should I be penalized because I chose a distance program?
So should I push back and try to get the travel expenses out of Vocational Rehab? Or should I ask my parents to help me out?
Posted by ghost on October 28, 2005, at 18:42:07
In reply to Dear Mom, Send Money, posted by fallsfall on October 28, 2005, at 18:21:18
i'd challenge them to pay for travel.
i totally agree. i woudln't ask my parents for money if i could help it. furthermore, it's not really conducive to supporting yourself if you're asking mommy and daddy for money (relying on a community program is different however-- it's relying on resources you're entitled to).
however, if push comes to shove, make sure you stay in school! i think it's a fabulous opportunity. if staying in school means you have to ask for help at some point from your parents, keep in mind that it's only TEMPORARY help for a greater goal.
but i'd try to get the voc place to pay first.
just my $0.02.
and congrats on your acceptance. i'm so proud. :)
ghost
Posted by Dinah on October 28, 2005, at 19:44:08
In reply to Dear Mom, Send Money, posted by fallsfall on October 28, 2005, at 18:21:18
I'm so really very proud of you. :)
I hope you can get them to pay for your travel costs, but if you can't, I'm guessing your family would rather you ask them for help to prepare yourself for a healthier life for yourself.
Posted by crazy teresa on October 29, 2005, at 10:00:16
In reply to Dear Mom, Send Money, posted by fallsfall on October 28, 2005, at 18:21:18
Congratulations!!!
Can you meet with the Voc Rehab directors, give them a presentation and explain to them that they are actually saving money (even if they help w/ travel) by not having to pay for the local school? The way you explained the situation was very clear; I think you'd give a great pitch!
A lot of times agencies have a lot of discretion as to how they work around the "rules"-- which are usually just guidelines.
What a great example you are for your daughter!
Posted by fallsfall on October 29, 2005, at 13:03:05
In reply to Re: Dear Mom, Send Money » fallsfall, posted by ghost on October 28, 2005, at 18:42:07
Thanks, Ghost.
Yes, I will do the school thing no matter what.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Falls.
Posted by fallsfall on October 29, 2005, at 13:03:58
In reply to Re: Dear Mom, Send Money » fallsfall, posted by Dinah on October 28, 2005, at 19:44:08
Yes. My parents are very into the whole education thing. But I think I will try to get Voc Rehab to pick up the travel expenses.
Thanks, Dinah.
Posted by fallsfall on October 29, 2005, at 13:05:42
In reply to How totally, incredibly awesome for you!!! » fallsfall, posted by crazy teresa on October 29, 2005, at 10:00:16
Thanks, Teresa,
He has certainly left the door open for me to tell him that I can't (won't?) get the funding from my parents. I guess we'll find out what that open door means.
Posted by AuntieMel on November 3, 2005, at 12:27:57
In reply to Re: Dear Mom, Send Money » Dinah, posted by fallsfall on October 29, 2005, at 13:03:58
Well, you could ask them if they will *loan* you the money. Then leave it up to them if they want to make it a gift.
Posted by fallsfall on November 17, 2005, at 17:50:53
In reply to Re: Dear Mom, Send Money » fallsfall, posted by AuntieMel on November 3, 2005, at 12:27:57
Voc Rehab is going to pay for my travel, too! Plane, hotel, meals the whole shebang!
I told them that I didn't want to ask my parents, that I thought that it wouldn't be helpful psychologically for me to ask them. So Voc Rehav figured out how to pay for it!!!
That means I have a full scholarship!!
I'm excited!
Posted by All Done on November 17, 2005, at 18:52:55
In reply to Re: Dear Mom, I don't need your money, posted by fallsfall on November 17, 2005, at 17:50:53
That is fantastic news, falls!!! Congratulations! You should be very proud!
Posted by zenhussy on November 17, 2005, at 22:14:43
In reply to Re: Dear Mom, I don't need your money, posted by fallsfall on November 17, 2005, at 17:50:53
rock on lady!! how very psychologically healthy of you to ask Voc Rehab! = )
excited for you as well. well done falls.
celebrate with the usual ;) ms. ice cream queen!
Posted by Dinah on November 21, 2005, at 22:38:04
In reply to Re: Dear Mom, I don't need your money, posted by fallsfall on November 17, 2005, at 17:50:53
I hope you're as proud for yourself as I am of you. :)
This is the end of the thread.
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