DR. WALLACE: I'm a college junior majoring in elementary education. I've always dreamed of being a teacher. I'd like to marry a guy who is in education. Since most teachers are female, what state has the biggest percentage of males in teaching? I think I would seriously consider teaching there. — Cindy, Hammond, IN.
CINDY: The National Education Association informs us that 65 percent of all teachers in the United States — and 68 percent in Canada — are women. If you truly seek the highest percentage of male teachers, head for the beautiful state of Washington in the Pacific Northwest, where women educators outnumber male educators by "only" a favorable 6 to 4 ratio, five points better than the national average.
So there are the statistics on the subject you asked about. But there's so much more to life than statistics! My advice is to circulate yourself at as many teaching events as possible in the state you choose to live in once you get a job. After all, it may be far easier for you to find an entry-level teaching job near the college you graduate from. Trust me, there will be many eligible bachelor teachers there that you'll have an opportunity to meet.
TELL ME THE FACTS
DR. WALLACE: I will turn 18 in three weeks. I told my friends that on my 18th birthday I will be an adult and I can move out of my house if I want to.
My stepfather said that I'm still a minor until I reach the age of 21. I'm in love with my boyfriend and we want to get married after I turn 18. He is 19 and is living with his parents, but we want to get an apartment the day I turn 18. I'll be in the 12th grade and will graduate from high school even though I'll be married — that is if I'm legally able to split from my parents on my 18th birthday.
Would you please tell me the facts? — Anonymous, Anaheim, CA.
ANONYMOUS: The legal term for being considered an adult is the "age of majority." This is a time when a person is no longer considered a minor, and becomes responsible for his/her actions. Originally, the age of majority was set at 21, then once Congress granted 18-year-olds the right to vote in federal elections, all states lowered their age of majority to 18. At the age of majority, minors acquire the right to:
—Enter Into binding contracts.
—Buy or sell property, including real estate and stock.
—Marry without the written consent of a parent or guardian and a judge.
—Sue or be sued in his/her own name (except in a personal injury lawsuit).
—Compromise, settle or arbitrate a claim.
—Make or revoke a will.
—Inherit property outright.
—Vote in state, local and federal elections.
—Consent to all types of medical treatments.
—Join the military without parental consent.
Once a minor reaches the age of majority it still doesn't grant all adult (age 21) privileges. All 50 states and the District of Columbia ban the purchase or consumption of alcohol until the age of 21.
I would be remiss if I didn't encourage you to stay at home and graduate from high school. You can count the time you have left in high school in weeks, now rather than months. You are so near your diploma, don't allow anything you do tear you away from getting it because you will have earned it! Let's not also forget that living on your own requires paying your own living expenses, so consider taking some time over the summer to set all of that up in advance before you make such a move.
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.
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