DR. WALLACE: I love kids, especially small children, and so I've always thought that I'd like to become an elementary school teacher. I remember three of my own elementary school teachers who made a big impression on my life and helped to mold me into the young adult I am today.

I'm in my second year of college and considering taking courses that would set me up to become a teacher myself. But I hear a lot of criticism about teachers these days and am very uncomfortable with how politicized this profession seems to be now. This makes me hesitant to get involved, especially since I'm a centrist at heart and I don't follow any political dogma either way. My lifetime goals are to help people become the best individuals they can be and to encourage everyone to compromise and get along, not to take polarized opposite positions and to distrust and disrespect each other.

Should I just forget about teaching entirely? I'd love to help children but don't want to be dragged around like a political football! — Centrist With Teaching Ambitions, via email

CENTRIST WITH TEACHING AMBITIONS: You should absolutely consider a career in teaching, especially since you have the calling to help young children. There will be societal ups and downs over the course of this career, but the best part of being a teacher will always be available to you, and that's a way to connect with students and help guide them to the very best of your ability.

Think also about the fact that if you, and other centrists like you, were to bow out of even considering this profession, there would be that many fewer individuals to continue to push this important field forward. Anyone who has the desire to teach, put students and their interests first and make the world a better place not only deserves this opportunity, but should be encouraged to do so. I therefore encourage you to follow your heart, do your best to remain neutral and put your future students first as you aim to help equip them for their future lives.

SHOULD I STILL KEEP IN TOUCH AS A FRIEND?

DR. WALLACE: What do you think about the idea of "remaining friends" after a romantic relationship? I'm a college student who is 20 years old, and I've just broken things off with a teaching assistant I dated for seven months. He's nine years older and hopes to become a professor someday at this university. Of course, by then, I'll be long gone and no longer a student, so there should be no conflict keeping in touch with him.

My friends are split on this issue. Of my four closest friends, two are lukewarm about me keeping in touch with him, and the other two are adamant in their advice that I cut things off with him 100% and don't socialize with him at all. What's your take? — College Student, via email

COLLEGE STUDENT: Each situation is unique, and every person must make their own decisions on matters of the heart.

I've noted that he's significantly older than you are, but you're both adults, so that factor does not mean as much as it would if you dated him before you turned 18.

But the bigger potential issue I have a bit of a raised eyebrow over is his position as a teaching assistant. You did not mention if you met him in one of the classes you attended, but his position now or his future assistant positions could create a conflict of interest as you remain an undergraduate student for a while longer. This issue may be a complete nonfactor in your particular situation, but I'd at least encourage you to consider this as you make your decision.

I'll end by noting that I found it interesting that the two of your friends who were mellow about their feelings sided with you keeping in touch with this assistant, but the two who were opposed to you remaining in contact as a friend were very staunch in advising you not to do so.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: National Cancer Institute at Unsplash