Dear Ebony…Your Campus Advice

Send us a question via email (fsuthevoice.articles@gmail.com), or go to fsuthevoice. com to send it anonymously. 

DEAR EBONY: I don’t fit in with anyone at school. I’m so lonely and depressed. What should I do?

DEAR LONELY & DEPRESSED: Feeling like you don’t fit in is incredibly hard, but the first thing you should know is you are not alone. Many students, especially those new to FSU go through these feelings too.

One of the best things you can do to feel less lonely and isolated is to get involved on campus. There are groups for almost every interest on campus, just go to Bronco Advantage (log in using your email log in) and check out clubs, organizations, and events occurring on campus. It’s easier to “do you” and be your authentic self around others when you already have something in common with them. By participating in a club, organization, or event that interests you, you already know those people are there because they hold a similar interest in the topic – which makes it easier to start a conversation with people you don’t yet know. Try asking someone how long they’ve been a part of the group, why they chose to attend the event, or what other clubs and organizations they are involved in on campus. If you do this after introducing yourself, it will help get the conversation flowing.

If you feel depressed or think you may be combatting depression, it is best to seek help from the Center for Personal Development. Please call them at 910-672-1389 and schedule an appointment.

Finally, as a last resort, you may want to evaluate if your current atmosphere is the right environment for you. If you have tried all of the above without any improvement, speak with your advisor about transferring to another institution that may be a better fit for you.

DEAR EBONY: My mom is having money issues back at home. I want to drop out and help her but she won’t let me. How can I overcome this?

DEAR FAMILY MATTERS: Family is really important for most people. Wanting to help your mom is a natural instinct, since most moms do a very good job providing, loving, and taking care of us. From what you’ve said, it sounds like your mom would feel more supported and happy if you continued your education instead of dropping out. After all, most parents want us to be better off than they are, and earning a degree opens up a lot of doors that are not accessible with a high school Diploma or a GED.

If you feel like you’d help your mom more by working, then continue to go to school and find a part-time job that is flexible with your school schedule. Perhaps work weekends and evenings and go to school during the day, or work days and go to school in the evening. We offer eight week classes in the evening- and taking 4 classes is considered full-time so you will still get financial aid). Another option would be to not work and send your mom your refund check so you feel like you’ve given monetary help. A final option, since summer is approaching, would be to find a summer job and then come back to school in the fall. Career Services can help you find a position, call them at 910-672-1098.

In sum, your inner conflict of doing what’s best for you and what’s best for your family is challenging, but it can be overcome through any of the above options while keeping both you and your mom happy. Earning a degree will greatly help you and will enable you to make more money in the long run, making it easier for you to provide for your family. Finally, Career Services can be a great resource for you to help you find and land a job that is right for you.