DR. WALLACE: Lately, some kids have been lighting fires in the bathrooms at our junior high school. They also light the trash bins on fire. I know who the guys are. Would I be considered a snitch if I told the principal? — Anonymous, San Diego
ANONYMOUS: No, you would be considered a good citizen. Too often, many of us witness crimes and wrongdoings but choose not to "get involved."
Fires on a school campus are a serious and dangerous matter. Give what information you have to the principal. If you would feel more comfortable, write a letter informing the principal about who the firebugs are and sign it "a concerned student."
Principals know how to take care of this type of problem — very rapidly!
WINE MADE FROM HONEY
DR. WALLACE: I went to my first wedding last week. As the bride and groom were leaving the church, everyone tossed rice at them, but when I asked around, no one knew why. Do you? — Anonymous, via email
ANONYMOUS: I didn't know why rice was tossed either, but a similar question long ago encouraged me to seek out the answer. Many years ago, the Greeks and Romans used to toss kernels of wheat and corn as a symbol of fertility. This has evolved into throwing rice now in our modern world.
As long as we are discussing wedding traditions, I'll tell you how the word "honeymoon" came about. Again, a long time ago, after a wedding ceremony, the newly married couple had to hide from the bride's parents until the search for her was dropped. The couple would hide out for up for one month (until the bright moon waned) while drinking a wine made from honey.
I'M GOING TO QUIT SCHOOL AND MOVE
DR. WALLACE: I don't like school because some of my teachers are always picking on me. I think this is very bad. Teachers should be paid to teach, not makes students feel bad. I'm going to quit school when I become 16. I'll get a job, buy a car and move to California and live with my dad. — Unhappy, Buffalo, New York
UNHAPPY: Teachers who demand good behavior, encourage students to do their very best, and who refuse to accept inferior student work are often accused of "picking on" students. Those of us who love teaching and challenging students have probably been accused of "picking" from time to time. We prefer to call it "inspiring."
Please don't look on education in negative terms. Of course, there are times when most students get frustrated and wonder if becoming educated is really worth the effort. Trust me when I say it is. A good education is not a guarantee that a good job and a wonderful life will be attained, but it does give you a better opportunity to succeed than if you become a school dropout.
It's time for your mother and you to meet with your counselor to discuss your "problem" with some of your teachers. Then, if possible, have mom make an after-school appointment with your teacher to find out what mom and the teacher can do to help. Please write to me again and let me know how things are going for you. I care!
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.
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