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TAGGED : Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski

Adjusting to college life takes time

Q. I’ve been at college almost a week and I’m still anxious. I thought I’d feel better by now. There are so many new people and strange experiences. Getting used to a roommate is the easiest part, and that’s not easy. I’m happy with my college choice. I’m excited about my major, but ...

Choose career that’s right for you

Q. I have a lot of friends who graduated. I’m a senior this year. My friends are pretty much all going to college in the next weeks. My mom keeps saying how next year I’ll be doing the same thing. But I want to go to cosmetology school. I went to tech the last two years and I’m good at ...

Pack smart for college

Q. I’m leaving for college in a few weeks. I’m excited about so many things, but one of the biggest is having only one roommate. See, I share a room with two siblings, and I have 3 more siblings younger than me. I can’t wait for less noise! I love them and I’m sure I’ll miss them, but ...

Rising above a toxic home life

Q. I leave for college in 5 weeks and I’m not coming back. I know that sounds dramatic. Here’s the truth. My parents are toxic. I live with adults who are mean and unkind to each other and to me. My two older siblings left home for college and never returned; they only connect with me. I ...

Keeping in tune with today’s slang

Q. I feel so dumb. Everyone I know seems to know slang and I have no idea. How can I keep up with slang? – 14-year-old Mary Jo’s Response: What an interesting question! I’m not surprised you’re curious about slang – it seems to change rapidly. Slang is a type of social code. It ...

Learning to drive a rite of passage

Q. How can I find inspiration to go get my permit? I’ve been putting it off for over a year. What do I even do? Thank you. – 17-year-old Mary Jo’s Response: When we delay a decision, we may be unaware of why we hesitate. It sounds as if that may be the case with you. I’ve seen this ...