Since the lovely Ms. Lisa Przystup has retired from writing her advice column, I am the new advice columnist. I'm a justice studies junior and plan to go into counseling in the domestic abuse field.
I'm pretty involved at ASU and have worked at the Writing Center and as a tutor in ASU's Summer Bridge program. I'm the oldest of four kids (two brothers and one sister), so it's always been my job to give advice and mediate conflicts. My problem-solving skills have been fully developed after years of mishaps with my siblings (like setting the porch on fire with a magnifying glass and trying to cover it up so my parents wouldn't notice.)
Welcome back to another grand semester here at good ol' ASU. I spent most of my vacation sleeping in, reading Cosmopolitan, hanging out with my boyfriend and frantically shopping with gal pals while trying to assemble my spring wardrobe. If that sounds superficial and pointless, you should also know that I did take time to pursue more noble diversions. Consequently, I reread Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," ran 3.1 miles every morning, and did my civic responsibility by reporting for jury duty. And this probably doesn't qualify as a "noble pursuit," but I also caught myself on fire while trying to grill a quesadilla.
People must be able to sense that I have a talent for getting out of trouble and fixing problems because people in my classes like to tell me all their problems and ask for my help. One girl I met even confided she was having an affair with a married man. I remember thinking, "Wow, I just met you and you decided to tell me that?" I used to think it was weird, but I've gotten used to it. A lot of times, people just want someone to listen to them.
I also have a personal reason for becoming an advice columnist. I've watched people around me go in a downward spiral because they had addictions they couldn't break, issues they couldn't overcome, or mistakes they couldn't rectify. I've watched people beat themselves up for things beyond their control. Fortunately, sometimes I've been able to do more than just watch — I've been able to listen and help people pick themselves up and get a fresh start.
So please, don't hesitate to e-mail me. I've seen and heard almost everything. Who knows, though? You guys may surprise me.
Reach the reporter at: amy.mcgowan@asu.edu.
