Winie Coulanges

Managing Editor

In our monthly advice column, we invite students to ask all their burning questions and receive answers in next month’s issue. Ask a question here.

How do I stop thinking that I’m a burden to everyone?- Leafy squirrel

Dear Leafy squirrel,

As human beings, it’s so easy for us to focus on our flaws and our problems – so much so that we think that that’s all others can see us as. It’s important to recognize that we are so much more than our faults. We are our passions, our hobbies, our talents, our love for others, our love for ourselves and so much more. To stop feeling like a burden, you have to appreciate yourself for all that you are and think about all the good you bring to those around you.  When times get tough, remember that we all need someone to lean on and that there’s nothing wrong with needing extra support, we aren’t immune to pain or hardships! If you feel like you would benefit from it, seeking help from a mental health professional could help the self-doubt and self-esteem issues that are often at the core of feeling like a burden. Take care and be gentle with yourself!!!

How to budget and save up your money when you tend to buy a lot in stores AND online? And buy food for your breaks and don’t bring homemade food for xyz reason?- Shopping addict

Dear Shopping addict, 

Our wonderful campus is situated in such a bad spot for the shopaholics among us, I understand your dilemma. The temptation is never ending with countless cute shops and wonderful restaurants in our vicinity. Sometimes what we need is a cold hard reality check! Discipline and discernment will help you on your journey. Buying food on break is so tempting and while it’s unrealistic for me to tell you to NEVER buy food at school but I’d implore you to take advantage of Dawson’s community services. For example, we have Dawson Dining’ on Tuesdays and Wednesdays which offer free vegan hot meals. We also have free breakfast on Mondays and Thursdays. Taking advantage of these great initiatives will definitely curb the amount of times you’ll want to eat out thus saving you money.

When you make a budget for the month try setting aside an allowance for yourself and sticking to it as best as you can. You could decide to give yourself an allowance of 40$ a week for food and an allowance of 200$ for miscellaneous purchases.  As for the shopping, I encourage you to really think about whether what you’re about to purchase will add to your life in a meaningful way or if you don’t have anything else at home that fulfills a similar purpose. Basically, try to lower your consumption!  If you find that to be difficult, I’d suggest limiting your purchases to holidays like labour day and boxing day only. Another good trick is putting away the money you spent on an item in your savings . Ex: Buying a 40$ t-shirt and putting 40$ in your savings after.  I leave you with this quote often attributed to Jay-Z “ If you can’t buy it twice, then you can’t afford it.”