Dear Misti: New advice column to help combat students' issues

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Hey everyone! My name is Misti and I’m the viewpoints editor. I’m here to help alleviate any sort of stress you have related to a range of topics. Ask me about what to do in a relationship, or about best things to do on a Friday, or even what steps to take to study better. Ask me anything!

I’m here because I truly care. I’ve always been told that I am a ‘motherly figure’. Whether that’s a good thing or not, I think it’s a great way of describing the love and dedication I have for my friend’s and family’s well-being. Listening to peoples’ problems and helping them come up with a solution is something that I truly have a passion for.

Now you may be asking what qualifies me to give you advice. Well, I’ve been through all kinds of troubles with friends, family, school, religion, relationships, self-image and more, which I’m sure you all have too. But I feel that these situations have made me a stronger person and because of that, I like to do what I can to help others overcome them as well.

I’ve even had friends fairly recently ask me if I was in any position to serve as their ‘therapist.’ Although I am not certified or anything, many friends have come to me with their problems on numerous occasions to I can give them the best advice I can cook up.

I’ve been through a variety of relationship predicaments. You name it. My boyfriend and I have been together for almost five years and we’ve had our fair share of ups-and-downs. Do you want to improve your romantic life? Do you feel that your significant other isn’t giving you enough attention (or maybe they’re giving you too much)? There are many remedies we’ve got to help couples stay together and I can share them with you.

I am a college student (duh) and I’ve had my grade scares, presentation anxiety and all-nighters. I can give you advice for studying, taking notes in class and more.

Since I was little, I had problems with self-confidence and self-image. With help from others and getting involved with different organizations on campus, I’ve been able to overcome depression and low self-esteem to learn who I am and what I’m good at.

I promise, you don’t need to be embarrassed to ask me anything you want answers to. If I don’t know, I’ll find out and come up with a solution for you the best I can. I won’t judge you at all because no question is a stupid question and no unpleasant feeling you’re experiencing should go unnoticed. Although you may not know me, I can be here for you.

Your questions can be completely anonymous if you want them to be. Simply say "Dear Misti," ask your question and sign it with any code name you want.

E-mail me at mjones@houstonianonline.com and you could see my response to your questions in the newspaper.