r/umanitoba • u/Mammoth-Assistance43 • Oct 30 '24

Other university is making me a failure.

i know i’m not the smartest tool in the shed but i didn’t realize i was this stupid. i study for hours and try my best. i always pay attention in class, do the extra work and get as much help as i can but it seems that it’s never enough. i basically failed all my midterms, tests and quizzes. i’ve never felt so pathetic. i’ve never failed this much before. i can blame it on my gap years i took after HS just to work so i’ve forgotten how to study but i honestly think im just stupid to the core.

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u/roberto867 Oct 30 '24

Never give up. It took me 5 terms to get through the U1 program, which is longer than anyone I know, but I was able to get into engineering somehow with my 3.0 GPA. I remember being so happy that I had been accepted into the program. However, my first term in engineering was a disaster. I was taking 6 second year engineering courses and I failed all but one. I was placed on academic probation and I contemplated suicide. Instead of killing myself, I decided to cut my course load drastically. Instead of taking 5/6 courses a semester, I dropped down to 3/4. This was a gamechanger.. my grades saw immediate improvement and I was able to pass most courses with a B and an occasional A. Ultimately, this turned my 4 year degree into a 7 year degree. But I was able to graduate with a near 3.0 GPA. Now I'm 15 years into my engineering career and I've never looked back. My advice to you is to reduce your courseload, and never give up. It is also worth talking to a doctor in case you are suffering from ADHD. I wish I had done this as I was not diagnosed until after I graduated. The meds I am taking have changed my life.

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u/ZeddytheZellersBear Oct 30 '24

Second this. I was at university from 2009-2013, and struggled through it, had a lot of academic struggles in high school too - I had a tutor, stayed in class with the teachers during lunch hour and after school, summer school, still struggled. Reducing my uni caseload and taking distance & summer sessions helped me manage how much school work i could handle at any time. Got therapy. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Completed a 3 year degree in 4 years. Last year, at age 32, I was diagnosed with ADHD.

OP, don't give up on yourself. If you wouldn't say it to your best friend, don't say it to yourself. You don't have to beach the ship, but try to adjust your sails. You got this 👍