DR. WALLACE: I'd like to major in Education when I enter Ohio State University this fall. Both of my parents are medical doctors and they are pushing hard for me to be a premed student and eventually follow in their footsteps. They also feel that teachers are overworked and underpaid and think I couldn't enjoy a good lifestyle on a teacher's salary.

Since you are a former teacher, I'd like your honest opinion on the teaching profession. If you had to do it all over again, would you have entered the field of education? Please give me an honest answer. — Nameless, Toledo, Ohio.

NAMELESS: Your parents are 100 percent correct when they say that teachers are overworked and underpaid. But if you feel called to be a teacher, they shouldn't try to stop you.

Teaching is a deeply satisfying profession. That's why many high-profile business executives and politicians turn to it after they have had their fill of the corporate and political world.

I did not major in education as an undergraduate at Knox College. After I graduated, I entered the business arena. I worked in sales for a large company for a few years, but felt unfulfilled. In my heart, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and coach.

I enrolled at Northern Illinois University and earned a master's degree in Education. I started my new career in education and have never regretted my decision to bypass the business world and work with young people. And, yes, I would do it all over again.

I didn't become financially rich teaching English and coaching basketball, but our family always had a roof over our heads and we didn't miss any meals. It so happened that my wife, Mona, was also a teacher and both of our children entered the teaching profession after graduating from college. We are a happy family! What more could we want than that?

YOUR MOTHER DESERVES A CHANCE

DR. WALLACE: I'm 14 and live with my grandmother and have for the past two years because my mother was addicted to drugs. The other day after school my grandmother told me that my mother was cured of her addiction and that I had to go back to New Orleans and live with her.

Dr. Wallace, I don't really want to go back to live with my mom. All we did was fight when we were together. Also, I read somewhere that if someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, that person can never be cured. If that's the case, I know my mom will use cocaine again. - Nameless, Baton Rouge, La.

NAMELESS: It's true that addicts are never "cured" of their addiction, but with strong determination and assistance from professionals and self-help organizations, they can live drug-free, productive lives.

I realize that a lot is being asked of you. But your mother deserves a chance. Give it to her, along with all your love, and do everything in your power to help her maintain a drug-free life.

Just make sure your grandmother will allow you to return if Mom starts using drugs again. And keep in close touch with your grandmother because you can depend on her for moral support and she will know what to do if problems arise.

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. E-mail 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.