Hey, I'm a 21 year old sophomore in college but maybe not for much longer. I've struggled with college since Freshman year as I've had my academic career (start like shit then finish strong) and after being on academic probation this semester my passing is dependent upon a B, C, and C- (from B,D,D). My father has been nagging me since this time last year to do better to the point where half the time he speaks to me its about grades, what the hell am I doing, and what will I do if I get kicked out. I have a lot to be compared to with having three cousins in Cornell, Dartmouth and my sister who graduated from Clarkson.
My father frequently amongst friends and family makes comments on how I mess up and need to shape to which I can only try to ignore or act sheepishly. But now if I forget anything at all like brushing my teeth before breakfast he spends the next five minutes saying how I can't remember anything. I never mention having remembered something "But you still can't remember your homework?" or forgotten anything "Like studying?" in fear of him going off on a tirade. Some of comments have hurt me terribly by "Telling me to grow up" "I honestly don't think you could manage if I died tomorrow". I know its his idea of tough love but its gotten to the point I barely communicate with him.
The one thing he seems to share an interest in is the military and a pursuit in life. My family has a close relationship with the military having had at least 1 member join in every generation since the the creation of our family tree before 1700. However whenever I bring up the topic he agrees the military in a excellent ting to do in life he quickly points out how hard it would be for me. Tonight at a movie theater a ad for the Marines played afterwards he commented "Now that is TOUGH. Those are REAL men", he having done MCROTC but dropping out to compete in world competition.
I have thought about joining the military and which branch for three years but told to stay in college. Whenever I have brought up the idea my family has recommended Air Force saying it would be good for me, little action, easy living, good benefits and the easiest branch. However since last spring I have decided it was the Corps for me. The Marines to me is the best way to better and prove my worth to myself and train me for the world.
However I fear (besides the possible doom of expulsion and father's reaction) that telling my dad I want to enlist would simply result in him saying I was only joining for the wrong reasons, trying to live up to him by choosing Marines, or frankly I wouldn't be able to do it. While I admit theres a part of me that wishes to get his respect that isn't my sole reason.
So what should I do if I do leave school? Go through the enlistment process in secret until I ship out or he finds out first? Tell him and say I'm doing it no matter what and HOPE he supports me? I know this is long winded but I'm at my wits end. Any people with military experience would be helpful.
My father frequently amongst friends and family makes comments on how I mess up and need to shape to which I can only try to ignore or act sheepishly. But now if I forget anything at all like brushing my teeth before breakfast he spends the next five minutes saying how I can't remember anything. I never mention having remembered something "But you still can't remember your homework?" or forgotten anything "Like studying?" in fear of him going off on a tirade. Some of comments have hurt me terribly by "Telling me to grow up" "I honestly don't think you could manage if I died tomorrow". I know its his idea of tough love but its gotten to the point I barely communicate with him.
The one thing he seems to share an interest in is the military and a pursuit in life. My family has a close relationship with the military having had at least 1 member join in every generation since the the creation of our family tree before 1700. However whenever I bring up the topic he agrees the military in a excellent ting to do in life he quickly points out how hard it would be for me. Tonight at a movie theater a ad for the Marines played afterwards he commented "Now that is TOUGH. Those are REAL men", he having done MCROTC but dropping out to compete in world competition.
I have thought about joining the military and which branch for three years but told to stay in college. Whenever I have brought up the idea my family has recommended Air Force saying it would be good for me, little action, easy living, good benefits and the easiest branch. However since last spring I have decided it was the Corps for me. The Marines to me is the best way to better and prove my worth to myself and train me for the world.
However I fear (besides the possible doom of expulsion and father's reaction) that telling my dad I want to enlist would simply result in him saying I was only joining for the wrong reasons, trying to live up to him by choosing Marines, or frankly I wouldn't be able to do it. While I admit theres a part of me that wishes to get his respect that isn't my sole reason.
So what should I do if I do leave school? Go through the enlistment process in secret until I ship out or he finds out first? Tell him and say I'm doing it no matter what and HOPE he supports me? I know this is long winded but I'm at my wits end. Any people with military experience would be helpful.