Getting bad grades sucks, especially when you have had extenuating circumstances hinder you from maintaining academic success.

Hi, my name is Talecia Bell and I am a student recovering from being academically disqualified.

I began my academic career at Sacramento State in the summer of 2006, eager and full of energy. The first two years were my interpretation of academic success.

Around the end of my sophomore year, I stopped prioritizing academics. I was not well-equipped with the tools I needed to stay motivated.

I was chasing after my boyfriend, working full-time, taking too many units and not studying enough. No one I associated with was in school.

My interest dropped and the eagerness became anxiety. My education was no longer a goal, but a task to accomplish.

My aspirations to graduate had not changed, but I subconsciously convinced myself that regardless whether I studied, I could still pass. But my GPA plummeted below 2.0.

There are certain academic standards students have to fulfill while studying at Sac State, and I failed to fulfill them.

Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 areplaced on academic probation; however, these students are still eligible to enroll in the following semester.

If a student has been on academic probation for two consecutive semesters, this student is academically disqualified and will be dismissed from the university.

I was so scared when I received notification that I had become academically disqualified. I shut down socially and became offensive about discussing my grades with professors, friends and especially family.

I was embarrassed and ashamed that I had not succeeded in maintaining a higher GPA. I did not want to discuss my personal issues or ask for help.

Leticia Perez, Educational Opportunity Program adviser, said she deals with approximately five to seven students a year who face academic probation or disqualification, just like I had.

“It is so important that students do not try to deal with academic challenges alone,” Perez said.

Lisa Nguyen, sophomore biology major, said students who are in trouble academically should use counseling and study groups.

Having gone through the ordeal, I know the anxiety, fear and embarrassment associated with academic probation.

“We are here to support students and their goals,” Perez said.

You need to do whatever it takes to succeed in school. Even if it means admitting failure along the way.

Talecia Bell can be reached at [email protected].