My mother is always breathing down my back about homework and my living situations. Even though she is 50 miles away, she still wants to know where I am and what I am doing. I tell her to back off but she gets angry. I just want to live my life without her breathing down my neck the whole time. What can I do?
From, Annoyed

Dear Annoyed,
First thing to remember: your mother loves you! It is easy to see that she cares and wants you to succeed. Some students aren’t that lucky. From what I can see, she is trying to help in the only way that she knows how. The best way to change the situation is to confront her. Next time you go home take her out for a coffee, talk to her over dinner or any time you two have some time. Tell her how you feel and how you would still love her involvement in your life, just not in the present, persistent way. Tell her how you want things to change, but be willing to compromise with her. Be sure to be open with her, and things should change for the better.

Dear Warrior,
My boyfriend and I have been dating for about eight months. He wants to enlist in the army full time. For me, the army symbolizes tears and loneliness. My father has been in the army since he was eighteen and has been deployed to Iraq three times. My family had to say goodbye to him each time, not knowing if he would be coming back or not. He missed so many important parts of my life, I feel like I don’t know him anymore. I don’t want the same thing to happen with my boyfriend. I know we haven’t been dating long, but I don’t want to give him up. If he does join, I don’t think I will stay with him. Should I tell him how I feel? Am I being irrational?
From, Army Child

Dear Army Child,
The army is an honorable thing to be involved in, but it also brings a chilling feeling when someone you know is going overseas. Ultimately, you can not change someone nor should you try to. I think the best thing you can do for your boyfriend is let him explore the idea of the army. Maybe he will discover that it’s not for him; maybe he will join. If he isn’t aware of your feelings on the army, tell him, but don’t use it as a break-up threat. Let him know where you are coming from, but that you will support his decision either way. In the end, if he does enlist, you will have to decide whether or not you want to be with him, but take it one step at a time.

Dear Warrior,
I seriously can’t pass my science class tests or quizzes. I study for at least three hours the night before and I never get above a D. Am I just dumb? I don’t get what I’m doing wrong. Should I drop the class and find an easier one?
From, Stuck on Science

Dear Stuck on Science,
Every person has a challenging subject, so do not be discouraged. Take a look at your study habits. Studying for three hours the day before may not be working for you. Try something different like reviewing the material for a week or more before the test. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your professor is there for you and would love to have you ask a question. Either stop by his/her office or send an e-mail. This is more of a one-
on-one way of getting answers that might help. Also, Winona State offers free recourses for students including the Counseling Center, Admissions, Advising and
Retention, Academic Departments, and free tutoring.

Need advice? Contact “Dear Warrior” at dear_warrior01@yahoo.com. All people will remain anonymous.