By Maisarah Miskoon

Let’ talk about stuff, baby.
Let’s talk about you and me.
Let’s talk about all the good things and the bad thing that may be.
Let’s talk about YOU.
Let’s talk about what you find troubling and what’s been bugging you.
So without further ado (or at risk of over-alliteration or violating any copyright infringement)
I’m going to shut my trap and get down to solving some questions!
Also, holler if you need me at maisarahmiskoon@smccme.edu.

Dearest Maisarah,  I’m bothered about what’s been going on in the news lately about violence and domestic abuse. How could victims of domestic abuse not want to leave their abusers or report these horrible things, which were happening to them? How could they stay in the relationship? More specifically, how could Janay Rice not see that being Ray Rice’s punching bag is not okay?!

It is not okay. Janay Rice is an unfortunate victim of abuse. I do not claim to have any insight to her life or what she is/has been going through, but I know that violence is never right and my body is a temple (and in some temples, they burn incense).

If you know of or know anyone who is being abused, whether it is sexual abuse, verbal abuse, or physical abuse, please lend her or him a helping hand. Direct them to an SMCC counselor at counseling@smccME.edu, or call 1-800-799-SAFE for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, be a supportive friend, and help them through this tough time.

Dearest Maisarah, There’s hardly much to do around campus besides studying, taking tests, and more studying. Worse of all, I’m beginning to miss my friends and family back at home. I’m missing home cooked meals, my own room, a clean and tidy bathroom, and my teddybear. Tell me, does it get any easier?

My heart goes out to you, friend. I used to feel that way too until I went back home and started missing my independence, my freedom, and generally being the captain of my own ship. Being in college, I sleep, eat, drink, study, and work on my own terms. When I get a little nostalgic (worse when it’s that time of the month), I’d call up my Mom on Skype, who would nag me (as Asian mothers tend to do), and feel better. I got myself involve with the on-campus food pantry, joined the Honors society, and write for the Beacon. Before you make any commitments, always remember that schoolwork and studying comes first. Never bite off more than you can chew, my young Padawan.