My problem is, essentially, I can't read, or focus. Now, taken literally, not being able to read sounds just stupid, because if I'm using livewire, I can clearly read. I am actually quite capable of reading. I'm currently reading some books on real estate, and am finishing those in a breeze.

But my problem lies in... pretty much anything that doesn't interest me.

I started to notice this last year when I read to kill a mockingbird. Couldn't do that. Took me months to finish. Was assigned "The Wars" by Timothy Findley - couldn't get more than 10 pages into it. Was given "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capode as a substitute. It's bullshit too. It's a true story, so I can tell that it's not the fact that it's fiction that's my problem.

I have a package of about half a dozen pages for Human Growth and development. I got about 2 or so pages into it, until I started blanking out.

Clearly, we have a problem.

I'm a very self-motivated guy, when the product of my actions are profitable. I don't consider grades to be any good, in any way, so they're not a good motivator for me.

Going to university is far beyond me - so I have no plans for higher education.

I currently run my own business selling cell phones, and have plans to start doing business in real estate when I turn 18. I have all the makings of a successful agent, as well as developer, I'm told, so it's not like I'm unqualified to be doing well.

You're probably wondering how I got into the intellectual forum if this is the way I am. I guess you could just say I'm not a school-smart kind of guy.

I hear all this advice about "stay in school!" and how much of a difference high school will make. I can see 3 scenarios to be possible:

1. Stay in high school, and tough it out, doing the best I can

2. Stay in high school, but do the absolute minimum work to get the diploma (as the diploma you get will be the same whether you get 50s or 90s)

3. Drop out now

What do you think I should do?

And please; straight answers only, no nonsense about "you don't deserve to be in the intellectual forum!" or "you HAVE to go to university!"

please. help me out here.

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Question everything. Without it, there's no innovation.

Good luck to you from a fellow (temporary) drop out.

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Rid yourself of doubt... Or should you?

You got this far in high school, so you might as well tough out the last year or so (you didn't really say what grade you're in currently, so I'm guessing). Also, if you don't finish, you're going to be kicking yourself later. I heard getting your GED isn't as easy as it sounds. Plus, what happens if your business plans fall through or you're going to need to get another job to keep your head up while it's starting? You're going to need that HS diploma to get a job...

However, it is important that you finish your high-school education, which is why I suggested homeschooling. Your diploma is so important when looking for a job nowadays, and with the economy the way it is, employers are increasingly looking towards the qualifications an applicant has gained. Homeschooling is a viable alternative - it'll ensure you get your diploma and at least graduate highschool, but it also gives you more freedom when it comes to the texts and subjects you study.

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.:.Faut souffrir pour etre belle.:.
♥ hey there, delilah, what's it like in new york city?

And one more thing, If you are diagnose with ADD you can tell your teachers and I'm sure they will help you

Post edited at 5:27 pm on Sep. 30, 2008 by whoami111

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My Ultimate goal in life is to become what I am fully capable of.

I don't, however, think that alone is a good reason to drop out of high school, especially as there aren't many employers who would consider someone who couldn't finish high school as someone worth hiring. As the real anti christ said earlier in this thread, it's less about being a sign of your intelligence and more about being a sign that you stick to it and finish things, even when they're difficult.

There are plenty of options that might help you concentrate more when it comes to finishing school. Talk to your parents about possibly finding a tutor or aide who could help you keep your focus on the things that are more difficult for you. Try highlighting and notetaking in your texts to keep your focus on the text at hand and not from wandering. Talk to your teachers about the problems you're having and see if they have any suggestions for you. If all else fails, try speaking to your doctor and seeing if this is actually a physical problem.

Don't drop out of high school. I've spoken with plenty of people who have done just that, for various reasons, and not a single one of them didn't regret it.

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Let yourself be enchanted,
You just might break through
To ever ever after