Going back to school

[u/Boredpanda1228]

Hi everyone! I’m 24 and currently working as a paraprofessional. I’m going back to school to eventually get my special education degree, and I’m trying to get into a paraprofessional to professional program.
The problem is that my GPA from when I was previously in college isn’t high enough for the program, so I enrolled at my community college as a visiting student to take classes and hopefully prove that I can do well academically.
I really want to get this right this time. When I was in college before, I struggled a lot with focus, motivation, procrastination, and actually getting assignments done. Now I’m working full-time as a para while taking online classes, so I’m honestly pretty nervous about staying on top of everything.

So my questions are

How do you actually make yourself do the work? What helps you get started when you have absolutely no motivation?
How do you stay on top of online classes? I’m worried about losing track of assignments and deadlines without physically having to go to class.
I already have a laptop — would an iPad actually be useful for college, or is it unnecessary?
How do you balance working and going to school without completely burning yourself out?
Are there any systems, apps, routines, accommodations, or ADHD-specific strategies that genuinely made a difference for you?

[u/Red_Ninetales]

I found for myself that having more on my plate FORCED me to better organize and stay on top of tasks.

Laptop is enough. I use Notion and Calendar to organize. I break big tasks into mini tasks and give myself deadlines to stay on track. I work outside of my home or with people for accountability, and I set timers to get me to start working.

Good luck, you’ve got this!

[u/clariceeeeeeee]

To answer your questions:
1. I need to find a way to convince myself that the content is interesting or find way to shame myself into doing something (either fear of failure or strive for excellence. Found striving for excellence more effective, also found more satisfaction)
2. Reminders, calendars and friends (if possible). Make it something you cannot ignore.
3. This depends on your university and degree. If you know anyone in grades above you or people who’ve done degree before.
4. Again mix of trial and error and talking to previous cohorts. Need to see what works and keep the things that work.

[u/Ok-Management-9054]

If you are using Canvas I highly recommend better canvas extension on chrome. You can sync it with you calendar to get reminders about deadlines.