Dear Jethro,

I am nervous about choosing a college. My mom wants me to stay close by, but the rest of my family wants me to attend college near them in NC. What should I do?

-Pressured

Dear Pressured,

College is a huge milestone, and a big determining factor of where you’ll go in life. You should choose to go to a college that offers courses on the profession you want to pursue, in the location of your choice. Your mom and your family won’t be the ones having to study in the college you attend for four years, so you shouldn’t base your decisions on where they want you to go. To avoid conflict, simply tell your mom and your other family members that you respect their wishes, but you will make your final decision based on your needs and what suits you best. Good luck on your college-hunting!

Sincerely,

Jethro

Dear Jethro,

I may be moving soon. I will still be attending the school, but i will be moving to a different location. I’ve basically grown up there my whole life. I consider the people there family. How should I approach the situation?

–Moving

Dear Moving,

As a military brat, I am the exact opposite of you. I’ve never really known what it feels like to live in one place my whole life. I usually move every two years or so, and not just within the same county. Sometimes I move across entire states or countries. Since you are only moving to another location in the same county, you aren’t going to be that far from your old house and old neighbors. You can still visit them occasionally if you miss them. Meanwhile, you can make new friends in your new location. Luckily, you’re still going to the same school and you don’t have to make new friends there and get adjusted to that environment. It could be a whole lot harder than that, so you have a lot to be thankful for. Good luck adjusting!

Sincerely,

Jethro