the small amount of friends I do have are growing up, they have jobs and kids and responsibilities to tend to, no time for people like me,

"People like me?"  What kind of people are you?  Are you not also growing up and having a job and responsibilities, etc?  If not, maybe doing so will help you make more friends.  smiley: smile

Do you think you might be an introvert?  Don't worry, it's not a bad thing. smiley: happy  I myself am an introvert and quite happy as such.  Introverts tend to have a few good friends instead of a lot of casual friends.  

Cacky had a great suggestion for school funding.  If you want to pursue a particular field, that is an excellent way to go about it.  And it's a great way to meet new people as well.  

I would also like to point out that you just made friends with a good sized group of nice people.  You posted your story a couple of months ago, which is a great start!  Now stick around and post on whatever you have a thought on so we can get to know you better.  Welcome  to the board!  smiley: happy

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now"
-old Chinese proverb