Teen girl should plan on university
June 28, 2012 2:16PM
Updated: July 30, 2012 6:05AM
Dr. Wallace: I’m 17 and have been dating Jose, 18. I’ll be a senior in high school and will graduate in June 2013. I’m a good student and make good grades. I have been accepted at Texas El Paso University, but I’m not sure if I want to go to college now. It all depends on my relationship with Jose. He dropped out of school during his junior year because he had a chance to work in an auto repair shop with his friend whose dad owns the repair shop. He makes good wages, and he really likes his job.
My parents disapprove of Jose because I happened to mention one day when he was late that he probably stopped off for a beer with his friend. He has a few beers with his friend after work. They liked him before, but now they want me to stop seeing him. They are also worried about me riding in his car because they think he may be drinking and driving. He is a safe driver, even after a few beers.
How can I convince my parents that drinking a few beers is no big deal and that Jose is a good guy?
Selena, El Paso, Texas
Selena: Jose has a serious drinking problem. If he doesn’t change his drinking habit, chances are good that his alcoholic intake will increase in time. As it is now, it’s not the amount of beer consumed daily, it’s the fact he drinks every day. Even one alcoholic drink can affect the driver’s ability to drive safely. Besides, he is breaking the law as an underage drinker.
Texas El Paso is an excellent university, and since you have been accepted, plan on furthering your education there.
Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net
