DR. WALLACE: When I graduate from high school next year I want to go to college, even though I really despised my days at our local high school. The reason I want to go to college is because I can choose what classes I want to take instead of being forced into certain subjects I don't like, as I did in high school.

I have a 2.4 GPA, which is slightly above average, but not really high. What college do you think I can apply to and would have a good chance to be accepted into? — Ready for the Next Level, via email

READY FOR THE NEXT LEVEL: You can go to any community college in your geographic area! You do not have to apply to a community college as all applicants are accepted. Some states have local state colleges that may have openings as well, so do take a good look around your local area and also talk to fellow students and your favorite teacher or two from high school.

Chances are that you'll get some good local advice. Take one or two classes that interest you and see how it goes, no matter which particular school you try first. I trust you'll be a better, more dedicated student now that you're older and are selecting the subjects you wish to study. Good luck and keep an open mind! Many students tell me later in life that they discovered a very satisfying new field to work in that might not have been their first or second choice when first coming out of high school.

APPROACH MOM AGAIN

DR. WALLACE: I'm 13 years old and I just asked my mom, who is 45 years old, how babies are made, and she wouldn't tell me. She was very nervous, and I think I caught her by surprise with my question.

I don't know whether she doesn't know or she does already know the answer and just doesn't want to have a discussion with me about this subject. We live in a rural area and have not been in a classroom in school for a year and half, so now that my body is getting more mature, I have a lot of questions, but I have no teachers to ask. Maybe this fall we will be back in our classrooms now that COVID-19 is almost over, and I can ask a lady teacher that I trust.

I still would like an answer, but what's weird to me is that I just don't know why my mom won't talk to me at all about this. Do you have any suggestions regarding how I can get my mom to open up in a way that does not make her so totally nervous? — Curious Daughter, via email

CURIOUS DAUGHTER: Perhaps you indeed truly caught your mom off guard completely with your question, as this can be an awkward topic for any parent, no matter which gender the child who asks the question is.

Now that a few days at least have passed since you asked your question, your mother no doubt has had some time to think about it. Your next approach would be to bring up the subject again, but to start by saying that you realize the topic is a delicate one. Then ask your mother if she would be more comfortable having you ask a female teacher or female physician or nurse that you know well enough to bring your questions to.

This would give your mother the option of finally deciding to engage you in a discussion with her directly, or she can perhaps go with you to hold a meeting with a suitable woman you both trust to provide you with the details you wish to know. Having your mother there as well would likely be helpful as you would both know everything that was said so that follow up discussions at home would be much easier in the future.

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: Foundry at Pixabay