It's not always easy, but if you're smart and work hard, it gets better. If I could have given myself advice back then, I would've told myself not to be afraid of medical loans or dental schools. I've had ~22k in work done at a really nice dental school in SF that would have cost +50k at private practice. The sooner you get in there, the less it will cost in the long run (trust me).
Also, regardless of the current state of your teeth, every day is still a battle for your oral health. Brush after meals and floss regularly. Email me (link in profile) and I'll hook you up with a Sonicare toothbrush.
(Probably not relevant in GP's position, but hopefully someone finds it useful)
Of course, it depends on the person as well - but know that that friendships and meeting people like you is one of the biggest reasons to go to college and does factor into your decision. There aren't a lot of institutions out there where you'll be able to do that outside of a job. Of course, with student loans being as they are, I'm not quite sure whats worse.
Also, don't put it off. You can literally die from ignoring cavities.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/06/09/318212444/a-reaso...
I brush three times a day and I quit drinking soda and eating candy a while ago.
>Grow up and do something about it.
Uhh.. I am.
>get over your social anxiety and meet people who will pay you.
I'm doing what I can. I plan on building a "resume" over the summer.
Just so you're aware, even though it sounded like it, I was not complaining about my situation. I'm not looking for help, just thought I'd add my perspective to the thread.
I actually don't think I would change much about my early life at all. Part of me feels that if I hadn't struggled with being poor I would not have had the motivation to become a programmer, and I enjoy programming.
I know a few people in the UK who have travelled abroad for cosmetic dental work as it saved them thousands.
Edit - here's the kind of prices you get in Eastern Europe http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/private-treatment-abroad/which-co...
Though it may be cheaper for you to try and find somewhere in Central America, or the Caribbean.
edit - You could maybe find another reason to travel, one that you can get some sort of help with. Say you want to study the background of The Martians http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Martians_%28group%29 and try to blag a flight to Budapest.
Instead of telling someone who is doing X and failing to stop doing X and start wining, it might be more helpful to suggest a realistic next action. In this case, perhaps apply to some very local universities for a CS degree, keep family close, and research community dental clinics with affordable payment plans.
Sigh.
I'm one the best math students at my current school and calculus is fun for me. I'm the only person I know that knows how to program, none of the other students I've met are interested in computers at all.
The students that are performing at the same level as I am seem (to me) to be "elites". I find my self becoming more and more cynical each day listening to complaints about having an old model of iPhone or "having to go to Paris with dad" (someone really said this), when all I have is a flip phone and I've never ridden on a plane.
I told my self a few years ago I was going to learn to program because it seemed to be something that anyone could do (as long as you have a computer and internet access), seemed to be growing, and seemed to be high paying. I've gotten pretty good, but I still have a ways to go.
Now I'm at the point where I can leave my disabled parents for school and let my teeth continue to decay and deal with that social stigma, or I can get a job doing tech support and hopefully help my situation a little faster.
We'll see..