Self Confidence

[ATeutonicKnight]

As a quick insight on me, I’m fourteen, been homeschooled all my life, and live in Kansas.

Anywho, I want to become a Priest, or join a Religious order. Who knows, maybe even both. But the problem is, I need to get my GED. I never did too much school growing up, so for the past few months I’ve been kicking it into high gear, because I’m doing the GED test in less than a year and a half. But the problem is, I’m not self-confident. I don’t think I can do it. I’ve had nothing to prove to myself that I can do it. I’m afraid that I’ll never be able to pass and I won’t be able to do anything with my life, as laughable as that may seem. I don’t know what to do. I have a list of some accomplishments that I can say I earned well, and that I’m proud of, but it’s not enough. I sometimes feel horrible about myself because I don’t think I can do anything. Any help on gaining self-confidence? Perhaps from someone who passed the GED test? Thanks.

Dominus Vobiscum.

:knight1:

 

[Philotheatoo]

Judging by your writing I don’t know why you wouldn’t have confidence in the English portion of the test. You can do this with prayer, God’s help, and studying. There is no garuntee you will pass the first time however; a good priest ~ which is what you will be ~ will show his flock that character is not built on success; it is built on what a person does with their failures. We all have them. Be humble, ask for help, show your weaknesses and you will find your strengths. There are an awful lot of pretests to give you an idea what you need to study and there are an awful lot of study guides. Good luck and God bless you in your vocation.

 

[Catholic90]

Many seminaries require a college degree…

 

[puzzleannie]

take the test, even if you fail in some portions that will give you good guidance on what you have to work on, and you have plenty of time to study and take the test again, either returning to traditional high school or with more time and attention to homeschooling under a good teacher. If you are having these concerns bring the up with the person who is instructing you at home. You have to concetrate on college prep because seminary involves years of college and post graduate theology work. we will be praying for you, the Church needs your vocation. Get in contact with the vocations director of your diocese for more information on how to prepare academically for admission to seminary.

 

[bluerose]

My son and my niece both completed their GED tests at the age of sixteen and graduated last month. I don’t know how it works in your state but here (New Mexico) there are 5 tests that need to be completed and they can be completed at different times (in fact, candidates are encouraged to NOT take the tests all in one day, so as to not overwhelm them). My niece had to take the math test 3 times before she passed it, but in between, she was able to get help from a tutor. In fact, all the GED students were encouraged to attend classes and one-on-one tutoring sessions if they felt they needed help with any particular subject. Our program even offered incentives, like a “lottery” for a “free test” (they wiaved the fee on a test if the student’s name was picked), or a free college course (except for the books) if the student scored high enough on an exam (my niece won both of those).

All of the GED students, regardless of age, from 16 (the youngest they will be accepted into the program) to 65, receive a tremendous amount of help, support, and encouragement from the teachers and staff of the program. Check with your program and see if you are able to take advantage of any opportunities they offer (you might have to wait until you’re sixteen) and, as puzzleannie said, contact your vocations director or make an appointment to talk to him about what you need to do in order to prepare yourself.

You have an advantage of being young and thinking this far ahead… you’re giving yourself plenty of time to get your ducks in a row. That said, what you need most to do (besides apply yourself to your studies) is pray for discernment and confidence. I will add my prayers to yours.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

Many seminaries require a college degree…

Actually, all I have to do is contact the diocese. They’ll send me to Conception Seminary for four years, and then I’ll be able to choose whatever seminary I like for another four. College is optional. I don’t have the money nor the will to go to college.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

take the test, even if you fail in some portions that will give you good guidance on what you have to work on, and you have plenty of time to study and take the test again, either returning to traditional high school or with more time and attention to homeschooling under a good teacher. If you are having these concerns bring the up with the person who is instructing you at home. You have to concetrate on college prep because seminary involves years of college and post graduate theology work. we will be praying for you, the Church needs your vocation. Get in contact with the vocations director of your diocese for more information on how to prepare academically for admission to seminary.

Well, nobody is instructing me at home. I’m teaching myself out of a huge GED book. I guess you could say I’m self-taught.

Again, I don’t need to go to college. It’s optional. All I have to do is contact the diocese and they’ll literally pay me to go to Conception for four years, and then after that I’ll choose which seminary I’ll go to for four more years.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

My son and my niece both completed their GED tests at the age of sixteen and graduated last month. I don’t know how it works in your state but here (New Mexico) there are 5 tests that need to be completed and they can be completed at different times (in fact, candidates are encouraged to NOT take the tests all in one day, so as to not overwhelm them). My niece had to take the math test 3 times before she passed it, but in between, she was able to get help from a tutor. In fact, all the GED students were encouraged to attend classes and one-on-one tutoring sessions if they felt they needed help with any particular subject. Our program even offered incentives, like a “lottery” for a “free test” (they wiaved the fee on a test if the student’s name was picked), or a free college course (except for the books) if the student scored high enough on an exam (my niece won both of those).

All of the GED students, regardless of age, from 16 (the youngest they will be accepted into the program) to 65, receive a tremendous amount of help, support, and encouragement from the teachers and staff of the program. Check with your program and see if you are able to take advantage of any opportunities they offer (you might have to wait until you’re sixteen) and, as puzzleannie said, contact your vocations director or make an appointment to talk to him about what you need to do in order to prepare yourself.

You have an advantage of being young and thinking this far ahead… you’re giving yourself plenty of time to get your ducks in a row. That said, what you need most to do (besides apply yourself to your studies) is pray for discernment and confidence. I will add my prayers to yours.

In my state there are five subjects, equaling five tests. So it’s a lot like your state. Though I never heard that they recommend you to not do all the tests in one day. That was one of my main concerns from the beginning, in fact. But now that I know you can do it differently, I’ll be less stressed about that aspect.

Though I have a slight feeling that I’ll be doing the math and science tests more than just once.

I will most definitely contact them and ask them what I can do in preparation for the test.

Thank you for the information about the test that you have given me. It’s given me more confidence already. The only way I think I can repay you is by praying and going to Mass for you.

Dominus Vobiscum.

:knight1:

 

[Catholic90]

Actually, all I have to do is contact the diocese. They’ll send me to Conception Seminary for four years, and then I’ll be able to choose whatever seminary I like for another four. College is optional. I don’t have the money nor the will to go to college.

Conception Seminary in MO? It is a college…

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

All seminaries are colleges, technically. But this is a seminary strictly for men, taught by Benedictine monks, so men may become Priests.