Hi. I'm 18 moved out-of-state, a very expensive plane ride away... My family kept telling me, not to come, but I thought I could make it. They're the kind of family to never 'let it go' and can be very mean over small things... I came here, have no friends, have had NO experiences, haven't experienced the city... nothing. Bombing in class, suffering from depression. I'm very attached to my family especially my grandmother. I'm from a small town, but don't want to go to the JC, there but I'm considering it and then transferring out when I'm 'ready' Please help... some advice... I don't want to make anymore expensive mistakes; I'm from a single family home putting 2 college students through school... HELP. Thanks a lot. If I DO transfer I don't know if I should at semester or at year? your opinion, please... thanks so much :)

You've got some options right now. I am not sure I have the clearest picture of your situation right now, but you are definitely in college, right? So the first thing you need to do is get your emotional and academic situations in order. Your campus should have a counseling/therapy program, and if you're a registered student, it is probably free for at least a few sessions. Go to them. They may be great, but even if they're crap, they're free and you might get SOMETHING out of them. Also, an on-campus counselor can point you in the direction for some academic help. You need to join something to meet people. Colleges are awesome for having things to do -- try everything! Find one thing that sounds really cool and interesting, and one thing that sounds really weird and a little scary. Commit to doing both of them for a few weeks and see what you think. So, maybe you're into dance. Find a ballroom dancing club. And a bowling club, if that's something you've never done before. Just try things. Stick with them long enough to get over the "Oh crap I don't know anybody and I have no idea what's going on" phase. After that phase passes, you can decide whether you really like something or not. If you're miserable, transferring is an option, but I think that you should try the above things first and see how they go. You're in a scary situation, but I'll bet it's one you can handle. And if it turns out you can, just think how proud of yourself you'll be! This is an amazing opportunity for you -- I wouldn't give up just yet. One final note: if you do end up transferring and moving back, that's ok too. You tried something, and not everything you try in life is going to work out. You should be proud of yourself for going for it. Just try to see all the angles before you decide whether or not it's for you. And please let me know how things go. I'll keep you in my prayers, with your permission.

I know going to school full time can be very difficult for you, especially if your from out-of state. My advice to you is give Hawaii a chance, you just moved there. You're probably homesick, lonely and probably have little to no money; that is why you haven't experienced HI much. You did not mention if you work part time or not so I'll have to assume you don't work -- if you can manage it, I would recommend you find a part time job to provide some financial assistance for you. In addition, try to go out with classmates, make friends, get out of your room, try out for the cheerleading team, etc. you'll feel better and get that good vibe back like you were before. From the questions you ask and answer, I sense that you have strong energy and an outgoing personality -- you're just adapting to being on your own for the first time, getting used to the new environment -- I know you'll do fine and I'm here when you need a friend to rely on, to give you strength when you're down -- just holla... :)