Dear Minerva,

I am feeling a bit worried after the election results. I have applied to a bunch of out of state graduate programs and am feeling unsure about the economic impact this may have on me. I am being told not to act due to fear but it is difficult as I feel like my future is at stake. What do you think I should do?

- Snarky Marky

Dear Minerva,

How do I work up the courage to ask questions? Or even just how do I overcome the fear of reaching out?

Sincerely,

Nervy!

Dear Minerva,

I had plans with some friends and one of those friends ended up being late. The other friend had messaged him, telling him the event was canceled, to which my late friend showed up much later, despite the cancellation. He got very upset at this, and I later pointed out the fact that he was late anyway. This late friend has a history of being quite problematic, and I’ve tried to help him see his errors and change. It’s no use. So, I guess my question is how to guide someone to be better who is also unwilling to change?

Sincerely,

Mediator

Dear Minerva,

I am writing because I have been so frustrated lately and can’t keep my cool. It’s like any little thing sets me off, even if it’s not that big of a deal. I don’t want to keep being so angry, and I can tell people are noticing too. How do I stop being so angry all the time? I don’t want to be a person with a short temper.

Yours,

Trying My Best

Dear Minerva,

How do I deal with the people in my dorm building being annoying? People are always so loud, ding dong ditching, and incredibly nosey. I know being in a first year building makes it difficult, but these people lack respect, especially when living in a shared space.

Help me!

Judgement Kazzy

Dear Minerva,

Lately, I’ve been struggling to find the motivation to do any of my classwork. Projects, assignments, you name it, I don’t want to do any of it. Obviously, I need to do my work, but how could I get some motivation to actually do any of it? Things are piling up, and I could use some guidance here. Please give me some pointers.

Sincerely,

Procrastinator