New Letters and New Advice!
Bubby had some help from some special people to answer a ton of new mail she's received lately. Check back all week to read more of Bubby's advice.
Dear Bubby,
I am 15, turning 16. I know I'm young but it is believed I am an "old soul". I believe in a lot of things the people around me don't even consider. However, I am haunted by a dark childhood. Many things have happened to me one of which has ripped me apart from my best friend, my mother. We have been apart for 3 years now with visits once or twice a week but it's not enough ever.
I have also been lost in interest. I used to do ballet, soccer, paint, write, read, everything. And the past two years have been empty of it, not because of lack of opportunity, but lack of interest. I am frustrated because I do not even have anything to lose myself in or vent through. I've been trying everything from belly dancing to guitar lessons and nothing seems to help. Everyone says it's gonna get better. They've been saying it since I was born.
I'm tired of waiting Bubby!
Thank you for even listening,
Losing Interest
Dear Losing Interest,
This will pass. And you are going to look back at the dark side of your life and you will be in control. In a few years you will be an adult and you will be able to make decisions and spend more time with your mother. Just hold on to it. It's going to be OK.
You are a very, very strong young girl with a lot of interests and a nice future. Keep taking advantage of all of your opportunities. This is just for now, but the future is up to you.
This is not forever.
New Letters and New Advice!
Today Bubby had a great day with some special visitors. We all gathered together on the couch to answer some new letters. Check back all week to read more of Bubby's advice.
Hey Bubby,
I've been asking my friends this question and been coming up with the same answer, but I wanted an outside opinion. I can't feel like I can really talk to my parents. And my grandparents aren't around anymore.
I want to be an animator. I'm very serious and passionate about art and this career choice. But my dad just doesn't seem to see that. I wish he could understand how I feel about what I do, but he doesn't. Recently I've been talking to him about the idea of college, and I told him of this wonderful college outside of the state. He got really mad.
He told me that he wasn't going to send me money outside of the state, because he didn't think I could handle the responsibility. I have an autistic brother that my mom and I take care of and my dad doesn't help at all. I do a lot around here, and get decent grades in school. I don't understand why he wouldn't think I'm responsible enough.
I'd do anything to get my dad's approval and lately I've been thinking of doing something else so that he's happy and proud of me. Should I go through with not pursuing my career as an animator?
Sincerly,
Lost
Dear Lost,
You should try to explain to your father what an animator does and show him examples of your work. Maybe once he knows what it entails, he'll learn to respect you and the work that you love to do. Find out exactly what he has against being an animator. Maybe he thinks you can't earn a living doing that. Tell him about people who work at Disney - they make a lot of money!
Get your education first. You're still young. You should explore all possibilities. If you are interested in art, then pursue a career in art. Just like my granddaughter.
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