Ask Gabby

Relationship problems? Roommate problems? Stressed and need someone to talk to? Send questions and you will receive answers.
E-mail Gabby at: deargabby03@yahoo.com.
All identities are strictly confidential. E-mail me today with a question or you can respond to one of the articles in the UHCLIDIAN.

Dear Gabby:
My parents don't agree with anything I am studying. I have been fighting this battle for over two years. They had their hearts set on my becoming a doctor. I started to go pre-med, but realized it was something I didn't want to do. Now I am here at UHCL and I am studying to go into education. I would love to teach for a living. My parents are threatening to not pay for my college anymore if I stay an education major. What do I do?
Education major needing further education!

Dear Education major:
It is never easy to go against your parents wishes... especially when money is involved. But I think you are doing the right thing. You are an adult now and you need to live your own life. People who do not follow their educational dreams have to face careers they are not interested in. It sounds like you know what you want to do and if your parents choose not to support you, then you need to look to financial aid elsewhere. Maybe you should try a day care center, substitute teaching or something else involving children. Show your parents this is something you really care about. If they still refuse to support your schooling, look into loans, grants and financial aid. It is not too late to get help. But do not give up on your dreams. Hopefully your parents will see your commitment and will learn to support it. Good luck and let me know how it ends up.





Dear Gabby:
Recently I had a scary experience. I was walking to my car after I went grocery shopping and was robbed at gunpoint. Now, I am scared to even walk by myself in daylight. I can't get the image of his face or his gun out of my head. It is making it difficult to study at night. Any advice?
Scared in school

Dear Scared in school:
Wow! That is very scary. I am glad you are OK. I know right now is a difficult time for you. Ironically enough, I went through a similar experience last Christmas which deeply affected me also. It would scare me just to tell someone else about it. A year later, I am still extremely cautious wherever I go. One thing that helped, was getting myself help. I know it is scary and somewhat embarrassing to go to an expert and tell them something like this. I was reluctant for the longest time to seek help because I wondered how someone I did not even know could help me. But after I started talking to someone, I did feel better. In fact, a lot of the counseling was talking about other things in my life, not just the incident itself. It eventually made me feel safer. There are people available who do not even charge for their services, including counseling services at UH-Clear Lake. When you are ready, make sure you talk to someone. Get all of your fears and emotions out. Once you do, I know you will feel better. The phone book and the Internet will give you names of violent-crime counselors in the area. Please write back and let me know how you are doing.

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