Dear readers,
ASK SUZANNE is an advice column to advise people as to how to deal with their concerns and issues. I try to ensure that you will make the best decisions to help yourself move forward in positive ways. I hope you will write to me, in confidence, seeking my guidance. Just a reminder: I will not disclose any information sent to me. What you write will always remain anonymous. I encourage you to be creative with your usernames and send feedback so that this column will be successful in helping those who seek advice. You can email me at [email protected]. Thanks! I look forward to reading your letters.
Sincerely,
Suzanne = ]

Hey Suzanne,
I hope you get this letter alright. I don’t know what to do, but it seems like my whole world is collapsing around me. I think that I am losing all of my friends, and everything I do just makes it worse. I wish everything could all go away. But it seems like everyone is always making fun of me or criticizing everything that I do, and I just can’t take it anymore. They are so annoying, and sometimes I wish that I could go into a deep sleep and never wake up again. I lie in bed and think to myself, why am I here? Why did God put me with this family? Everything that I do will never be good enough for them! I don’t know what to do anymore, and I can’t stand this anymore.

I really want to run away from my family, my “friends,” and my life. But I’m still not certain about it all. I just need someone to give me some sensible advice. Thank you and sorry about the rant. : /
– WhoRunTheWorld__GIRLS –

WhoRunTheWorld__GIRLS,
It’s normal to start to question your purpose in life. Sometimes you just have to wait and see what happens. As time goes by, and as you grow up, you will find what you are meant to do. And I don’t only mean this job-wise; it is applicable to anything. Some people have found their calling in volunteer work or spreading inspiration to others.

I understand sometimes that family and friends can be overbearing, but you have to remember that they will always be there for you when you need them. And you have to do the same for them. I’m sure they don’t mean to make fun of you. Sometimes when people make jokes, they don’t realize they’re hurting you in the process. If this is something that is really bothering you, then you need to confront them so they know how this is impacting you. Communication is almost always the solution to these types of problems.

Many times people think that if they brush off the problem, it will go away, but the truth is that ignoring the issue only makes it worse. If you try to escape your problems now, they will come and find you later. I really hope this helped you figure out what to do.
~Suzanne : }

What up,
As Senior year comes to a close, I can’t help but wonder, what will the future hold for me? Am I going to end up on the streets begging for money, or will I be a multi-billionaire living in Beverly Hills? I don’t fear the future, but I’m not as accepting of it as other people are.

Do you know any sure ways to make sure I succeed in life?
Peace Out,
Popping&Locking

Poppinig&Locking,
It is completely reasonable to question your future. I think that it is good that you are seeing both the positive and the negative sides of life. Sometimes when people only look at the good side, it might not give them the whole, realistic picture. There are times when too much optimism is a bad thing.

I don’t know you personally, but if you are the kind of person who is determined to succeed at life, then you have nothing to worry about.

If you find yourself worrying about the future, I found a great article at fastcompany.com that might help ease your trouble, entitled “4 Tips to Help You-Feel Less Anxious about the Future”

If you keep persevering and trying your best, then you can most definitely succeed in life. It’s not going to be easy, and it’s not going to happen immediately.

While researching, I found three characteristics that a person would need in order to be successful in life. You need to be visual, creative, and a lifelong learner. I’m sure if you search for those traits online, you will find some good tips about embracing those traits.

I really hope this helped.
~ Suzanne = }

P.S.: I’m looking forward to hearing from you about our success.

Dear Suzanne,
I don’t know what college I want to go to, or what I want to do with my life. I am only a sophomore, but my parents want me to start thinking about my future. I don’t think I should be thinking about that this early. I should be focusing on my schoolwork now, then when the time comes, I’ll start researching colleges and whatever comes after that. What do you think I should do, start early or wait?
From,
Who-put_the-bop_in_the-bopshobop

Who-put_the-bop_in_the-bopshobop,
I’m going to be completely honest with you, I didn’t start researching colleges till the end of my junior year. I agree that you should be focusing on schoolwork, but it is always good to start researching early. Soon you will start to see that time flies by. And by the time you know it, you will be in your senior year.

I wish I started researching and visiting colleges in NY sophomore year. That way you have more time to figure out what you want in a college. Some sophomores and freshman I know have already started visiting colleges, so it isn’t anything out of the ordinary.

I know that it seems a little bit too soon for you to be figuring out about your future, but I promise you, everything will be okay.
And just remember, starting early is always better than starting late, because the early bird catches the worm.
~ Suzanne : >