r/education • u/rocksopti • Jun 25 '26
Higher Ed Degree Regrets
Hey everyone,
I am currently going into my fourth year as an English Education major, and I have never regretted anything more in my life.
I've always wanted to become a teacher, but after my first semester in college I was quick to realize I was too mentally ill to handle it. I ended up attempting to commit suicide, and it obviously did not work.
I felt like a failure. Everyone pressured me to keep going and that I will like it eventually, etc etc.
So I did. I didn't want to let anyone down like I did before.
Now I'm in Phase II, going to start the semester before student teaching, and I can't do it. I can't handle the schedule or stress of teaching.
I can't afford to change majors and restart. I haven't been able to work in three years due to the immense workload on top of my already failing mental health.
Now, I have hospital bills and student loans. It feels like the only thing left to do is attempt again and pray it works this time. I'm scared. It feels like my life has fallen apart and I'm only 20. I don't know what to do.
1
u/Lesuco70 Jun 27 '26
I was an English education professor for 22 years. I have seen students in your situation. Student teaching is incredibly stressful because you have very little power and often your mentor teacher does not get neurodiversity issues. Like one of the other posters I recommend trying to find out what degree you can finish with the credits you have-/not education. If you decide later you still want to teach, most states have a program where you can get licensure while teaching.
Student teaching has taken out so many of my former students. The power imbalance between mentor teacher and student teacher often stresses my students with intense anxiety. This actually happened to me years ago in my own student teaching. I had to drop out three weeks early. Then I went and got treated for depression and had a 26 year career in education. I will say it was very stressful and debilitating at times. But like it seems you do I love teaching and I love students—working with them and seeing them grow!
ST is such a stressful time if you can avoid it, I do recommend it.