College Bound Emets

[chicajojobe]

I've noticed from some other threads that there are a few members who
are just going into college this fall. I'm one of them so I figured we
could start a thread where we can share stories, tips for how we plan
to deal with it, and anything else.



This is the website of the college where I'm attending. www.uga.edu



In terms of how bad it's likely to be (according to the twisted mind of an emet)...it's about 50/50.



Cons: Very large school, tons of students in close contact.

Notorious for partying and drinking.

Had a bad norwalk virus out break a couple years ago that was so widespread it made the news.

I don't have the option of not living on campus.



Pros: I'll be living in the honors dorm which is smaller, houses less
people, and hopefully honors students have slightly better hygeine
praticies.

Eventhough all that's required is an MMR and tentanus, I've gotten the
other recommended shots except for meningitis and I'm going to get that
one eventually.

Since they had a bad norwalk outbreak, maybe they've taken measures to
prevent another one. I hope.....does that sound like wishful thinking
to you?





What about you guys?

[Jenneh]

i actually cancelled all my university applications because of emetophobia. yes, i suck. so i really hope you all make it to uni and ahve a great time so u can all report back to me and make me go next year!! lol


hav fun,


Jen xxxxxx

[sparky2004]

When I went to college for fire fighting, I experienced high anxiety. Istill livedat home, as I have my own apartment. At times, it was difficult for me because I would have anxiety on the bus and trains on the way down to class. I would feel instant relief when I got off the bus/train.


During class, I would always sit right at the front, so I could keep myself focused on my instructor, and because I was usually seated right beside the classroom door in case I needed to leave the room.Since I was so passionate about firefighting and learning the science of fire, I spent a lot of time staying focused on the lessons because I love fire fighting so much. This came into play fighting high anxiety; I wouldn't allow my anxiety to overwhelm me and steer me off my path.


I also informed my instructors about my anxiety. They responded well, and allowed me to take time out during the class if needed. One instructor, a fire captain, was sympathetic to my illness, and tried to understand it. He knew what it was like to have anxiety, but never to the extent that I felt. His comforting words during panic attacks always helped to ground me, and if I needed to go home, he was always prepared to send me home with the necessary 'homework' and further study materials.


I vocalized my illness to most of myinstructors, and this allowed me to recieve help and understanding. I had a finger signal that the captian and I decided to impliment, silently telling him that I was having difficulty and needed to leave for a few minutes. I crossed my index and middle finger and hung my arm over the front of the desk, where he could see, yetno one else could notice.


It takes time and patience to handle your anxiety while in college. I needed to feel comfortable with my surroundings and where the bathrooms where, lol! Yet this helped me get through college. During the last 2 or 3 classes, I didn't really need to tell my instructors of my illness, as I had it at bay. I didn't need to use a private hand signal, or take time out to collect myself. I used to carry Gravol with me during the first few courses, just in case, and a platic bag in my backpack,....just in case. But at the end, I was so into my courses, I could sit right at the back of the classroom, laugh and learn, and fight fires at a military base.


I suggest to tell your instructors about your emet. You will find that most are curiuos about it, and are willing to offer a helping hand. Do not isolate yourself. There are counsellors at the college that you can communicate with and get help from. I payed a lot of money to get into college. The least they could do is provide student support services for unique situations, like us. Reach out,....someone will grasp your hand back.

[fabulouspaula]

Hey!


Yes, I'm one of the University-bound emetophobics! It's a HUGE deal, hey? Really exciting/scary. My University is called UVic, it's on Vancouver Island in Canada, and it's super nice and green there.


Alright, pros and cons.


Cons: Notorious drinking there, too. Pretty far from home. Living in residence. On an island, so it's a ferry ride AND a 12 hour drive from home.


Pros: Living in a room with my best friend. Taking good courses. The University's really clean. Lots of other friends going to the University. Family friends live in town.


Despite the hell that I've been through this year (almost dropped out of school because of panic attacks) I'm really proud that I've been accepted to University and I'm actually really excited. I'm sure it's going to be a great time, chicajojobe. And about the Norwalk Virus, I think it's just sort of a once in a lifetime thing- just bad luck, I guess. The chances of the school being contaminated again are so tiny, there's no bigger chance than if you stayed home.


Good thread, and good luck to everyone heading off to University/College. It's going to be one of the most exciting things of my life! (P.S. I'm taking Psychology, so maybe one day I'll be able to help out other people with this damn phobia!)

[Babydoll]

this will be my 2nd full year in university starting in the fall. It will be my first year living in residence ( I shared an apartment wiht my boyfriend last year).


I cannot stress enough that going away to university has taught me so many things, half of themcoming from outside any book.


I learned I can do things for myself, and that people are generally more sympathetic than you think. I learned to be confident in what I think and say, and that I am a whole lot smarter than I gave myself credit for in the past.


I'm taking A bacholar of science in psychology, and couldn't love anything more. I go a small university in Nova Scotia called Mount Saint Vincent. It was originally a women only university, but they opend it to men a few decades ago, but generally, females make up about 80% of the population there, which is a relief. ( I went to an all female high school).


Jenneh, I really think you should reconsider your applications. you CAN do it. I KNOW you can. It's hard work, I will admit, but it is also exciting and you meet so many new people and learn so many new things.. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. I think deep down you know you can do it, don't let the emet stop you!

[confusedgirl]

I'm interested to hear what everyone thinks! I'm going to a community
college part time next yr, as i finish my high school too... Then, the
following yr I'll be in college full time. I'm curious to know how it
is, what the transition is like, how many people really do get
sick - and how much of that is from partying lol. Good luck and have
fun, all you that are going soon

[ontariogirl]

My son will be going to college in Aug. He will be living in residence. The college is 6 hours away, 10 minutes from my sisters place. Now I would love to go and see the place when he moves in but I don't know, what happens if I have a panic attack and embarrass him???
I am so proud of you all for going to college, you have no idea. I wish all the best to each and everyone of you. Way to go!!!! You will be fine!!![img]smileys/smilies_04.gif[/img]

[mak79007]

I just moved out on my own for the first time. I am freaked out. I start med school in a few weeks. I am not worried about the school part. I am worried about the clinical part which starts in two years. I am also worried about getting realy sick and being alone. I cant beleive I am going to med school. Sometimes I dont know what I was thinking!!!!! I feel so depressed.

[chicajojobe]

mak79007, I totally get what you're saying about med school. I kind of want to
go to vet school, but I'm not sure if I can handle it. I've also thought
about studying something similar like genetics since the school I'm
going to has an excellent genetics program, and studying languages at
the same time because I've always liked them.



I think I'll just wait and see how things go in regards to vet school.
After all it's only my first year so I don't need to decide immediately.


Edited by: chicajojobe

[fabulouspaula]

Wow, good luck everyone! Now it's just a matter of planning on what to do this summer...

[chicajojobe]

Found an item that I thought some of you might like. I plan to pick one up later this week.



www.bedbathandbeyond.com



They had an antimicrobial matress pad in their linens section that apparently comes in extra long twin size.






I'm going to orientation tomorrow and am a little nervous because
students have to stay overnight. I think I'll be glad once it's over
because I looked at the schedule and it seems like they're going to be
holding your hand for most of the two days. Once I move in and can
explore without being constantly surrounded by a group that I have to
keep up with I think I'll be more at ease.


Edited by: chicajojobe

[samara's on tv]

When I went to college (For the shortest time ever before dropping out) I had my own room. I still had lots of friends and most of my time would be spent in their rooms. I avoided parties and drinking. Actually all the parties I was invited to I turned down. Every wednesday night I went out to BW3's for a trivia party that they had there. I was lucky that all the friends I had knew how to hold their liquor. But I have to say don't worry about your Emet being a problem. Once you get there there are so many things to do, studying, partying...you'll probably forget that you even had Emet in the first place. When I was in college my emet dissapeared for a while.


~Monica

[mrskatz]

I made it through 4 years of college and 4 of med school without one sv. DO NOT let your fear keep you from pursuing your dreams. Short of locking yourself in a room, you can experience v*** everywhere. In college, yes people v***. But usually not from sv, but from alcohol. Strangely, it really didn't bother me as much because usually I was drinking, too (and alcohol is a "sedative"). I would avoid frat parties and bars if you are worried. Med school was trickier. Especially the emergency room because some people feel they need to come in if they are v****(I say STAY HOME if you are v*****!). But I would usually just flee the room if I felt someone might v****. You guys can do it. Believe me if I could, anyone can. As a side note, I went into a specialty where there is hardly any v****.