10. Opposite-sex friendships: A lot of people think it’s OK to have a close friend of a different sex. The problem is the uncertainty it creates in your partner’s mind. If you care for that person, then he or she should be your first concern. Why...

We have all been there: a class where the instructor asks a question and nobody answers. It’s awkward and everyone feels it. All eyes are on you. You know the answer but you don’t want to raise your hand. In almost every class that I am in this has...

I have a habit of trying to start my columns with a catchy introduction. Our lives are full of habits. However, not all habits are bad. Simple things like brushing your teeth when you wake up or washing your hands when you use the restroom are considered...

“I’m so bored! This is awkward! Why did I come?” Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve given your best effort to mingling at parties and being more sociable. However, if you’ve run the party gamut and still find yourself unbearably uncomfortable in a...

10. My son: I am acutely aware that he is paying attention to everything I do or don’t do. It’s so overwhelming to think my missteps could affect his wellbeing. But this burden also propels me to try harder, to face everything the new day might throw...

Feel like your life is chaotic? Friday is National Chaos Never Dies Day. That’s right: a celebration for all the chaos in our lives. It’s obvious that life’s chaos will never go away, but even science explains how chaos is unavoidable. Entropy,...

10. Music: If you ever heard me play the flute, you would know I was not destined to be a musician. In ninth grade I had to make the choice between the student newspaper and the band. Clearly, I was destined to be a writer, not a musician. Failing at...

Here is your sign. It’s time to wake up. We all have our own reasons for being in college. The reasons are as diverse as the individuals here at the university, and I’m not telling you the right reason for being here. But for whatever ambition that...

I’ll call you a liar if you say you’ve never fallen asleep in class. I’m very studious and I strive for the greatest grades I can possibly earn, but even I sleep in class. I had times during the day in high school where I was surprised if I stayed...

The honeymoon phase has come to a close and roommate bickering is at its highest. The CA’s are pulling out roommate agreements and you are about ready to pull your hair out. Yes, I know you have been living with this absolutely unreasonable person since...

10. Learn about different cultures: You may have come from one of Chicago’s racially segregated neighborhoods where you rarely saw people who didn’t look, act or talk like you. Volunteering in an impoverished community allows you to meet people with...

Top 10 Children’s Songs with Relevant Life Lessons 1. Jack and Jill (went up the hill...): The lesson here is never trust a man to lead the way. Make your own path and don’t follow blindly behind anyone, even if he is wearing a crown. 2. Be Kind to...