Dear Smalls,

I am increasingly concerned for my mental health but am super self-conscious about talking to anyone about it, is there anyone or any place you would recommend for me to go to?

Thank you.

-Sticks

Dearest Sticks,

I’m sorry I couldn’t get back to you sooner, I hope you’re hanging in there. I understand how you’re feeling, I remember that feeling of immense fear of my own mind. I remember people would tell me, “you’re not alone,” even though I felt like I was the only person in the world, and the world didn’t seem to care. Years back, I was “not alone” in my mind, that I tried to take my own life. I’m sharing that with you so that you can understand that I’ve been where you are and I know how your shoes feel.

You’re very brave for noticing that there’s a kink in your thoughts and for coming forward like this. There are so many people walking around and letting these feelings intoxicate them to the point of no return.

I would recommend that you contact the counseling services at Washburn, you can call their 24-hour hotline while keeping your confidentiality concealed. I’ve met the counselors and I recommend them over the national suicide hotline.

Visit Kuehne Hall, suite 200, 785-670-3100, or drop in during their hours Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

I’ve grown to appreciate every laugh and smile I share and every bumpy detail about the road I’ve travelled, and you will as well. Sticks, this is where I offer you a conversation. If I would have had a conversation, I feel that things would have gone differently. If you want to continue this conversation please email me; [email protected]

Sincerely,

Smalls

Dear Smalls,

I have a crush on an older guy, (26) at my internship but I don’t know if we can date because of our positions, Help?

-Intern in love

Dear Intern in love,

I had a brief affair with my boss at my old workplace. It ended because I found out they were actually married. Oops. I resigned. I am the kind of person who will straight tell them, “Yo, I’m digging on you. Is it mutual?” I have learned that being direct will always be the best bet. You are young and you don’t need to be wasting your youth daydreaming about some hot guy you work with. If he doesn’t already know you like him, let him know. Then if he digs you back, take it a step further. Straight up tell him that you don’t want that interaction to affect your internship. As hard as it may be, excuse the pun, restrain from any PDA at work. If, however he’s some whacko who isn’t into you, at least now you know you can move on.

Good luck,

Smalls

Dear smalls,

LOL! SOS! HAHA!

How do I cope with all of the stress that comes with graduating in two months?

-a weltering senior

Dear weltering senior,

Enjoy as much of college life as you can, you only have two months of it left. Remember this new-found life could go two ways, you can be super successful or homeless. Don’t let the graduation parties guide you in the wrong way. Start thinking of all the great things you can buy with your first paycheck as a college graduate and just hang in there.

Congratulations,

Smalls