Casinos, Cannabis, and Careers

Focused green cannabis leaves

I’m graduating this year, and I have a job offer–that’s the good news. The thing is, though, that the job offer came from my cousin, who is kind of the black sheep of the family. He’s working the legal marijuana industry out in Oregon, and he says I can come work for him right away. … Read more

Party Prestige

A group of young people dancing energetically in a lively setting filled with stage smoke and cool lighting

I’m part of the leadership of an on-campus club that, once a year, throws a big party. I’m a little concerned, though, because these parties don’t tend to be the classiest affairs. While I don’t have a problem with what club members do on their own time, I’m a little worried about breaking rules and … Read more

Ready for Rehab

Large red drinking cups set up in a triangle shape

I grew up in a pretty small town in Florida and shared just about every moment there with my best friend. We were inseparable, right up to the moment when he headed to school in-state and I headed far away. But we’d still get together whenever we were both back in town, like during school … Read more

Forklift Fugitive

Two workers at a construction site focused on their job

When I’m back in my hometown during the summers, I work for the father of one of my friends. I work in a warehouse of his, doing all the things you’d expect: loading trucks, unloading trucks, tracking inventory, and driving a forklift. It’s that last part that has me a bit concerned. Last time I … Read more

Dangers of Drunk Driving

A person sipping from a drink bottle while driving a car

I’m having a serious problem with my friends. They love to go out and drink, which is fine with me–I enjoy it myself! But I also like to get home safe, and this is where my friends keep letting me down. They insist that it’s just more convenient to drive, and when it’s time to … Read more

Rings and Reasons

A neatly packed black gift box resting on a wooden desk

I’m struggling with a very serious dilemma and need some out-of-the-box thinking. My older brother is turning thirty in a few months and I want to get him something special. There are two primary challenges. Problem #1: he has a very well paying job and therefore practically owns everything he already wants. Problem #2: the … Read more

Thinking Machines

A humanoid robot in a NASA T-shirt standing face-to-face with a human astronaut

What’s up with artificial intelligence? I’ve been looking at new TVs, and I was surprised to see some of them advertised with “virtual assistants” on board. Since when does my TV need a brain? I find it a bit creepy, to be honest–like something out of a science fiction movie. And I don’t understand why … Read more

A Guide to Grief: From Funerals to Feelings

A stressed woman biting her nails, in a greyscale portrait

I’m having a very difficult time lately. A close family member has passed away, and I’m one of the people in the family who is supposed to be dealing with things like funeral arrangements. I’m finding it hard to focus on that kind of stuff–I know that some people really throw themselves into tasks like … Read more

Focus on Finance

A desk with a calculator, bills, and a pen for budgeting

I’m going to graduate pretty soon, and I’m excited about heading off into the “real world.” One thing I’m worried about, though, is money. I’ve never really been great with money, and I don’t feel like I know much beyond the basics of budgeting and saving. I know that I’m supposed to start saving for … Read more

Faith-and-Sobriety

A vodka bottle captured sharply in a blurred background

I have a friend who is an alcoholic. I don’t drink for religious reasons, but my friend–though religious–never used to share my love of sobriety. Now he’s trying to find his way to a better life. I think his faith should be a big part of his journey, but so far, it doesn’t seem to … Read more