Dear K&S,
I'm a senior applying to college and I don't know if I should move away or not. I've always imagined myself moving away but now I think I'm not ready to make the jump. Should I bother spending money on all these applications for far-away schools or make the call now to stay in town?
-Apprehensive
Dear Apprehensive,
Moving away can be bittersweet. By leaving behind a familiar environment, you are opening yourself up to new and potentially exciting experiences. I would recommend finding one or two colleges for which you are willing to move away. Once admission decisions are available in the spring, you will have a better understanding of what you want and are ready for. You can’t be sure what you’ll want in the future. At least leave yourself the opportunity to move away. Wherever you end up is where you are meant to be. After all, you regret what you don't do, not what you do do.
Best wishes,
K&S
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Dear K&S,
What do I do if my crush doesn't like me back?
Signed,
Heartbroken
Dear Heartbroken,
I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but you will have many crushes in your lifetime. Maybe this one didn't work out. That doesn't mean that an opportunity will never rise again. The best thing to do now is to grab some friends, go to the movies, and relax. Enjoy the relationships you do have, don't get hung up on the one you don't. There are plenty of fish in the sea.
Love,
K&S
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Dear K&S,
What do you think of the Marines?
Thank you,
Anon
Dear Anon,
Serving in any branch of the United States military is fitting for some but not for others. Here are the branches: Navy, Army, Marines, Airforce, and the Coast Guard. Since you are already considering joining the Marine Corps, you have two options: enlisting or going through Marine Officer Candidate School. There are pros and cons to both, but it really comes down to what suits you better.
Enlisting is a good option if you are not planning on attending a higher education institution. Enlisting does start you out on the bottom of the totem pole, but for some it is worth the benefits. For one, active duty members get free college tuition under the 9/11 G.I Bill. While serving, the military pays for your rent and utilities, healthcare, and military discounts at many locations. But the cons: (1) Rank is not based on age, therefore, you may work for someone who is younger and doesn’t treat you as well. (2) You can’t quit your job, because you signed a contract for X-amount of years. (3) You are constantly away from your friends and family. And (4) you have to follow strict grooming standards. On top of that, some of your rights are taken away. You must ask the military if you want to get married or buy a motorcycle. You can’t protest because you represent the government, you have a curfew, and you must report where you are at all times.
When you apply for officer candidate school, you already have a degree and know what you want to do in the service. In a shorter amount of time, you have an officer position. In the end, comes down to where you are in your life when thinking about joining the military.
Love,
K&S
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Dear K&S,
I have a crush on an introvert. I have tried making conversation, but they reply with one-word answers. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Quietly Crushing
Dear Quietly Crushing,
It can be tough bringing someone out of their shell. Try to be their friend first. Find out their interests, and try asking them questions that require more elaborate answers. If you feel as though you are bothering them, maybe lay off for a little while. Don’t fret; if it is meant to happen it will.
Love,
K&S