Re: Last week of internship and everything is falling apart. Help!

WOW! I say that not because of the situation you are facing, but because of the unselfish & courageous strength, discipline and character you have. I could only imagine the unrelenting pressure you must feel, yet you keep going. Most people would only complain and look for a way out, instead you are only focused on a way through. You must stop for a moment and pat yourself on the back. The world is truly a better because of people like you. Life is not exactly fair, but good things do come to those who work for them. First remember that this will not last forever.

As far as this temporary situation that you are facing with your school/internship, I like the idea of talking to a school counselor and seeing if the school could step in and get someone to cut you some slack. What I would do, depending on the personality of the person, is try to use a little creative b.s.'ing with your boss to get a little leniency and maybe some advice. The older I get the more I realize, those that have gone farthest are those that have developed talent in that area. Maybe start off by saying how sorry you are and that you completely understand, lesson learned, they were right. Then ask her, being an older, accomplished, wise and intelligent person (work the ego:), just not too blatantly) that your talking to because of the respect you have for her and she is the best and (sob) only person you could think of to talk to for some real world advice in a situation like this what she thinks you should do, being careful not too divulge all the sob story at once so as not to show your hand. Enter the conversation with this in mind and see where it goes. And if there was any possible way I could do it without getting caught, I would totally be working on my thesis while commuting and at work. BTW, why didnt you just call in sick or something? I know its dishonest, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

As far as cash goes, selling the car sounds like a good quick fix that will buy enough time to find another source or two of income. If your dad doesnt find work, find it for him. Ask everyone you come into contact with throughout the day if they know of any source of employment. Be outgoing. I've used that method successfully in the past for myself and it doesnt take any extra time out of your day. Creatively use whatever resources you have and can come up with, think Ferris Bueller. LOL. You never know.

It can be tough, people make stupid little mistakes all the time, especially when you're spread that thin and burning the candle at both ends. It helps to have someone to talk to for advice on a daily basis, just for the simple fact that they have a third person point of view and maybe a little more clarity. Talk to someone, anyone.

Bottom line, you'll get through it all and everything find its end one way or another. Just dont give up and keep pushing for that end to be something that you want and eventually it will happen. There are people that appreciate wonderful hardworking people such as yourself, and when you get far enough along and enough of them in your corner, things will be very well for you.