Hello Wildcats – you’ve asked and we’ve answered! Thank you for submitting to the Wildcat Tribune’s advice column. We’ve tried our best to answer your questions for this week.

Disclaimer: The advice of the Wildcat Tribune Advice Column is provided by students, for students. While we have your best interests in mind, and we will try our best to help you, we are not expert sources for more serious topics. Our advice is intended to support you and help guide your decisions, but you are in no way obligated to take it. Please email the Tribune if you feel the need to reach out for any kind of help or follow-up for any inquiries.

Question One:

Dear Wildcat Tribune,

I have a friend that only is friends with me when they aren’t dating someone. What is his problem? I don’t really care, but whenever he gets a girlfriend, he stops talking to me completely, but tries to act like we are cool. What’s wrong with bro? – Fashion Killa 

Dear Fashion Killa, 

This sounds like a really tough situation, so I’m sorry that you are dealing with this. First, I would try to understand where he is coming from. If this really bothers you, talk to him about it! Maybe he has a reasonable explanation, like his girlfriends don’t like him having female friends, and he is trying to be respectful. Tell him how you are feeling and try to fix the problem. 

Second, depending on what his response is when you confront him about it, make a decision about whether you want to continue the friendship. Do whatever feels right to you! You got this!!!

Best of luck, Ariya 

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Question Two:

Dear Wildcat Tribune, 

There have been a lot of turkeys trotting around my community. They sometimes even hang outside my house. I am too scared to get out of my car! What should I do? – Turkey Trot

Dear Turkey Trot,

I know exactly how you feel (there’s a whole flock that lives near my house too)! Fortunately, though, wild turkeys aren’t usually dangerous to humans. The males, identifiable by their large tail feathers, can sometimes be aggressive during breeding season; however, as long as you and your neighbors aren’t feeding them, they should retain their fear of people and dogs.

For example, the turkeys in my neighborhood are fairly scared of people. If they’re in your way, take several steps toward them, and they should scurry off. They’re almost never dangerous — coyotes, mountain lions and even deer (via car strikes) present a much bigger threat. Think of them as large, wild chickens. 

Best of luck, Taylor 

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Question Three:

Dear Wildcat Tribune, 

I am a senior currently and dealing with college decisions. I have a question, how do you deal with rejection? And please, no “rejection is redirection.” – Snarky Werewolf

Dear Snarky Werewolf,

As a senior myself, dealing with rejection doesn’t have one set way to deal with it. However, I would definitely say that as college decisions come in, try to set yourself apart from the decision you receive. By not tying your entire worth to a single decision, regardless of whether it’s your dream school or not, it softens the impact of your decision if it doesn’t work in your favor.

I understand that it’s easier said than done, but it’s important to remember that you already did the tough part of writing essays and crafting your application. You should be proud of yourself for all the work you’ve done thus far! Everything after that, unfortunately, isn’t in your control. So, maybe try reconnecting with friends and take a much needed break from working for a bit, to unwind from the crazy process you just went through.

Hope this helps, Anika

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Question Four:

Dear Wildcat Tribune,

I’m constantly falling behind on my work. Every time I finish one backlog, another one pops out of thin air, and then the whole thing starts again. I’m having trouble focusing, no matter what music I play or how many distractions I move. How do I improve my organizational skills? – Disorganized Duck

Dear Disorganized Duck,  

As a fellow daydreamer, I agree with the frustration of never-ending tasks and feeling as if you could truly have free time. One of the simplest ways that I found to improve your organizational skills is to simply break down large tasks such as essays or cleaning your room into manageable goals.

I’ve also noticed that establishing a consistent routine of completing tasks, but don’t do them consistently in the same place each week.  For example, you could do homework at a coffee shop or at the park. By breaking the monotony of just sitting at your desk each week, changing your location can truly do wonders for both your mental health and productivity.

Best wishes, Andrew

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