Wow this is so well-written..

I'm in the exact same boat, but I decided to not return to a CC. My parents knew that I couldn't afford going to a private school in the east coast for too long, but I still insisted on going. After a year, I can't return to take courses since I can't afford the expenses (for now I hope).. My mom urged me to just drop out and attend a CC for the time being, but I insisted on staying over here in the east coast to work, to study independently, and to research. So far it's going OK. Hopefully by the time the Dream Act passes, I'll be able to return to school. Currently, I have a "leave of absence" status.