Dear Darla

Dear Darla,

I’m a second-year student in engineering and I’m having doubts about my program. I was really excited to start university last year but now I’m worried that this is the wrong program for me. Maybe it’s because I’m doing poorly in calculus right now, or maybe it’s how difficult it was to find a job over the summer, but I don’t know what to do. Did I make the wrong life choice? How do I know when it’s time to switch programs?

Sincerely,

Confused Carla

Dear Confused Carla,

It’s normal to have doubts by the time you get into second year. Finding your first co-op job is always difficult, especially over the summer term. I would recommend that you think about why you might be having doubts about your program and why you picked it in the first place. If you’re truly considering dropping out of school, I recommend a trial period. Why not give yourself a month off class to see how it feels being in the real world, alone and friendless? When you eventually realize the real feeling of loneliness experienced by adults who are no longer in university with a strong support system, consider returning to school. At this time, I would suggest adopting for yourself a small tomato plant. This will help to reduce the feelings of loneliness you will have upon returning to campus after a month away. It will, with time, as you learn, love and grow, as you nourish and cherish the plant from its infancy, bring you good health and happiness. You will have food, and it will also increase your performance in school and beneath the sheets. Scientific studies have shown that students who eat home-grown tomatoes are more likely to make the Dean’s List, get to Cali without busting, and win at BOATs competitions. I hope this helps.

Love,

Darla