DR. WALLACE: I'm a senior in high school here in Orlando, and have gone to school here ever since I started in kindergarten. I really love my school, and my teachers and I have a lot of friends who attend my high school here. I'm involved in lots of activities, and I am active in the drama club and in plays as well as on the debate team.

My problem is that my dad has told me that he has been promoted to a manager position and will be transferred to Miami in January. This is a great opportunity for my dad, and we have already put our house up for sale. But for me, it means I would have to leave everything that is familiar to me and start over at a new school in Miami.

My best friend's parents have told me and my parents that I would be welcome to stay with them until I graduate with my class. That would be only about 20 weeks, and then I could join my parents for the summer. Then I will be going to the University of Florida in Gainesville next fall. It seems to be a good solution for me.

My parents are leaving this decision up to me, but they have indicated that they would prefer that I move to Miami with them in January. Please give me your thoughts on this situation. I will respect your opinion. — T.R., Orlando, Fla.

T.R.: Several years ago, a young lady from Texas addressed this same dilemma. Her well-written letter will provide you with much support. This reprint is just for you:

DR. WALLACE: I'd like to address a problem that faces many high school seniors. The family must move away, and the senior is forced to make a very hard decision. Stay and graduate with your friends or move to a strange environment and graduate with strangers. That problem faced our family and I'd like to share with you and your teen readers what happened.

I had spent three and a half wonderful high school years with my friends and teachers when my mother informed me that my dad had been transferred and the family had to move.

Since I didn't want to graduate from a new high school, I had a long chat with my mom. I told her that it was possible for me to live with a friend's family for the four months it took to graduate. Reluctantly, Mom agreed. A week later, my parents met with my friend's parents and together they set down the rules and regulations I had to abide by.

I was soon accepted by my "new family," and I earned my keep. I helped with the chores, shopping, cooking, cleaning and even volunteered to help their young son with his school studies. His parents noticed an improvement in his grades and were deeply appreciative.

Naturally, I missed my family, but the four months went by rapidly. I graduated with honors from my high school in San Antonio, and I'm so happy my parents and my friend's family gave me that opportunity. I'm now settled in the wonderful city of Odessa, Texas, with my mother, father and sister. I've made many new friends, and I love it here, but I'm blessed that I graduated with my friends in San Antonio. — Jill, Odessa, Tex.

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.