Dear Arie,
Should I quit school and move to Los Angeles to pursue my acting and model career? I am struggling with this because I feel like I’m wasting time paying for school and not having passion in my education. Please help!
Struggling Dreamer
Dear SD,
I would like to start off by saying that I can completely empathize with you. I remember when I made the final decision to come back to school and asked myself if I was wasting my time and if I should move to pursue my dream of becoming a broadcaster/journalist. The answer was very simple for me: Go back to school and learn about my profession. I truly believe that having an education for your chosen career is by far the most valuable asset anyone can acquire.
My advice to you is to stay in school and change your major to maybe English/theatre and learn the ins and outs of becoming an actor by involving yourself in the acting community. I would focus on learning as much as you can while going to auditions in your spare time. By all means, move to Los Angeles, but stay in school until you have fulfilled your will for learning. Good luck to you and never stop dreaming!
Dear Arie,
I have a friend that I have known my entire life and I am so tired of her being judgmental about everything I do. Every time I talk to her I feel like she is trying to rain on my parade and has nothing but negative things to say about my life. I have tried to talk to her many times and her reply is “ I’m just being a realist; you can’t handle the truth about yourself”. What should I do?
Frustrated Friend
Dear Frustrated Friend,
I think you have far more patience then I do. I would have dropped the friendship like a bad habit years ago if she was my friend. I know that this may be hard to hear, but I do not believe she has your best interest at heart. Friends are supposed to help you and encourage you to be better and support you 100 percent. I know that you have known her for a long time, but sometimes it is easier to just let go of all of the negative and pessimistic people in your life. She might not realize that what she says not only hurts you, but her as well. In the end, her attitude may hinder her ability to grow as a person and as a woman. We are at an age where we need support from our fellow women; we need to pick each other up when we fall, not kick each other when while we are down.
Friendship is so valuable and -trust me- there are really good women out there who are great listeners, conversationalists, advice seekers and givers and support you in all of your endeavors. I say tell her to get with the program or leave her behind. Best of luck!
