I hate college because it is slow paced and I have to take useless classes

[CuriousRevert]

Assalamu 3laykum 

I am a revert 21 years old with ADHD and autism. My first full time term of college. I like some classes (math). I somewhat like others (computer science). I don't like others (public speaking). Math is good because it is challenging, I tend to hyperfocus, and fast paced.

Programming is interesting to me and I enjoy it so far but the first two classes are very introductory. The first was too slow. I skipped 60% of class time and got an A plus with good understanding. She didn't like this so now you can't skip class or you'll instantly fail. I feel like I'm wasting time attending class. It's far too slow. If I keep skipping at the rate I have been I will be failed though I currently have an A and a good grasp and her comments are all "Excellent code!"

Public speaking is must difficult because I don't like it and it is slow and boring. 

I am concerned because I can't stand 4 more years of this. It needs to be faster. It is impossible to pay attention. I am not allowed to take ADHD stimulants because they caused me irritability and hallucinations. 

I know I need to get an education (in STEM or medical) or I can never get married. I am wanting to study computer science but it's too difficult because the classes are too slow. What do you advise I do? Is it halal to smoke just enough weed to motivate me. Otherwise I can't physically sit in that dark room for 3 hours listening to people ask easy questions all class long. I hate education so much. I am stimming and hyperactive so much

[Hameedeh]

1 hour ago, CuriousRevert said:

I can't physically sit in that dark room for 3 hours listening to people ask easy questions all class long. 

Salam. Why is the classroom dark? 

1 hour ago, CuriousRevert said:

I am stimming and hyperactive so much

If it is dark, then maybe they won't notice it.

[CuriousRevert]

1 minute ago, Hameedeh said:

Salam. Why is the classroom dark? 

If it is dark, then maybe they won't notice it.

It has no outside windows just windows to the hallway and they are usually closed. This type of window also doesn't work well here because it is not sunny in my area very often, and there isn't enough light.

[celestica]

@CuriousRevert Salam, I can definitely relate to being bored in college. I also struggle a lot with focusing. But that doesn't make smoking weed a viable option for us! 

The first year is going to be pretty slow since you are likely taking general requirements. Everyone else is equally irritated by having to take them. Don't worry, it won't always be like that.

I guess the key to making college go by 'faster' is being very conscious of what classes you take. Many students can graduate under four years because they were aware of their degree requirements and how to stretch out their credits. It won't count for every class, but there are many that can fulfill more than one requirement. But that depends on what path you end up choosing. I don't know if graduating early is a good idea for pre-med students. 

I have a few suggestions as I have similar struggles as a student. Have you tried taking some of your classes online? In almost all the classes I took, all the material was available right away, meaning you were completely allowed to work at your own pace. Another plus is that there are no class meeting times, so you can work whenever you want, stim as much as you want, no boring lecture. Another thing is, you're going to feel disinterested in college, maybe even in a class you like. It's just the way it's set up. There's a chance there will be an assignment or paper or whatever you really don't want to do. But it helps to make the things you don't care about interesting. This is crucial for you because with ADHD, if it doesn't interest you somewhat, you will never focus, and that will hurt your grades. That's how I got through the driest of assignments. English classes were hellish for me because of all the tedious assignments, but I take writing seriously, so I told myself to write those as if they were standalone pieces. In the end, I wrote papers I was genuinely proud of. You can apply this to any class. Find something, anything, that piques your interest and hold on to that until the class ends and it'll all be over with. 

It seems like you are an intelligent person, people who work like you can get excellent results with less effort compared to your peers. I know it seems like a drag right now, but I think you should use your time wisely. When you attend a lecture, you don't have to be 100% present. I'm sure your professor will understand since you passed through the material quickly. Express that to her. Maybe she can give you more challenging projects. Just show up, do work for another class, read, doodle, whatever you feel like. That time doesn't need to be wasted. BE grateful because later on you will take classes where you spend many hours studying just to fail the exam. :-\

[zarya]

Alaykum As-Salaam,

Just a suggestion, because I don't know the opportunities within the country you are based, but you could look into apprenticeships. There's a range of apprenticeships available related to Computer science disciplines, that way you are actively working while also receiving an education for example apprenticeships I have heard of they will go to study one day a week and then attend work the rest of the week, and you also receive an income while your education is paid for. They are becoming more popular as a lot more people choose it as an alternative to University.

I am guessing you are based within the USA, if that is the case this is a USA Gov Website for apprenticeships. https://www.apprenticeship.gov/  However if you are not based there look into your regional area. Don't quote me in relation to the USA as I don't know how apprenticeships work there but I am guessing the same as where I am from.

Just an option to research into, however if you wish to stay at University then Insha-Allah I hope you are able to find a solution.

[Ashvazdanghe]

On 10/10/2024 at 1:31 PM, CuriousRevert said:

Is it halal to smoke just enough weed to motivate me.

Salam surely it's not Halal .

 

[notme]

On 10/10/2024 at 2:31 PM, CuriousRevert said:

Public speaking is must difficult because I don't like it and it is slow and boring. 

Public speaking class isn't fun, but it is an important class, especially for those of us who don't naturally pick up on socal rules.  Push through the boring parts and work diligently on improving your speaking skills. This is necessary in every career. 

Take notes during class - that helps me to focus.  And think of questions related to the material. You don't have to ask them, but you can. Just thinking of the questions will make the lecture more interesting - just a tiny bit.  

Did you have an IEP or 504 plan when you were in high school? Your university will usually also be able to provide accommodations such as additional time on assignments, a smaller space for testing, and scheduled breaks, but they won't unless you ask.  

I also like the previous poster's suggestion of looking into apprenticeship.  

 

On 10/10/2024 at 2:31 PM, CuriousRevert said:

Is it halal to smoke just enough weed to motivate me. Otherwise I can't physically sit in that dark room for 3 hours listening to people ask easy questions all class long.

No, all intoxicants are haram.  

Why are you sitting for 3 hours straight? You should have breaks between classes, and if the classes are more than 90 minutes, the instructors should be giving breaks to move around.  Go outside during these breaks, if you have them, even if you'll be returning to the same room. 

Is it possible to volunteer answers to your classmates' easy questions?