teacher or actor?

Dear Sook-Hee,

I want to be an actor or a children's school teacher. I don't know which one to choose. What should I do?

Signed,
Sunny

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Dear Sunny,

Well, there's no reason why you can't be both at the same time! It is obvious that you like children, but you may very well be a gifted actor as well. There are many children television programs that teach while entertaining. I grew up on educational T.V. shows like "Sesame Street," "School House Rock," "Mister Rogers Neighborhood" and "The Muppet Show." Since school is very hard, why not make learning for children fun? You could be the one to do that.

To begin, start watching T.V. programs that teach children. Look online for acting classes and auditions for plays and little parts in movies. I know this may be difficult in a small town, but there are more opportunites in Busan or Seoul. Good luck! I look forward to seeing you on T.V.

your friend,
Sook-Hee

so tired

Dear Sook-Hee

Hello, my name is Cookie. My problem is studying. Studying is very difficult. How do I do it? I am SO tired. Help me!

Signed,
Cookie

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Dear Cookie,

When I was your age I was tired ALL the time. I thought there was something wrong with me! Now I know that when you are a teenager, your body is doing a lot of growing and going through chemical changes that leave you feeling quite fatigued. Did you know that research has found that teenagers need 9-10 hours of sleep? Do you know *anyone* in Korea that gets that much sleep? (I haven't met anyone yet.) Studying is very difficult, especially if you are only getting 7 or 8 hours of sleep.

Try to go to sleep earlier and study at the times that you are most alert. Exercise gives a person more energy and a greater ability to focus. Are you getting enough exercise? Also, try to drink more water. Have you ever seen a plant that looks wilted and "tired"? A big glass of water can help.

Try to study in a quiet place that is enjoyable. Shut off the T.V., computer, radio or anything that might disturb you. Make yourself a yummy snack and sit at a desk or table with a comfortable chair. Are certain subjects easier or harder? Do the harder tasks first and take a tea or water break and stretch every fifteen minutes or so. Reward yourself when you have finished your homework. Good luck! Sugo hasayo!

Your friend,
Sook-Hee

feeling fat

Dear Sook-Hee,

I want to go on a diet, but I can't because I'm lazy. So I am very fat. What should I do?

Signed,
Rebecca

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chewy puppy

Dear Sook-Hee,

I have a dog. He is very cute, but he bites my hands and chews on my hair. My father said, "I don't like him," because of this but I really like him and I want to keep him. What should I do?

Signed,
Ong

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Dear Ong,

I can really understand your situation. I had a puppy that chewed my pillows, my chairs, my shoes, my ankles and everything she could get her little teeth on! But that's just it; she was a puppy and puppies need to chew to develop their teeth. Your dog loves you and is just playing with you; he is not trying to hurt you. Encourage him to chew on rawhide dog bones you can buy at the store. For 1,000 won you can buy a little bag of dog chews and it keeps him healthy and your dad happy. If your dog starts chewing on you, gently but firmly say, "No!" and give him the bone to chew on instead. It may take a week or so and some patience, but you and your dog should be fine.

your friend,
Sook-Hee

prefers playing

Dear Sook-Hee,

I can't study well. I like playing more. What should I do?

Signed,
Min Young Lee

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wants to live with her aunt

Dear Sook-Hee,

My name is Dong-ha. My problem is at home. I want to live with my aunt at her house. I don't want to live at my grandmother's house. But I had to leave my aunt's house and now I'm very, very, very sad. I feel like I want to die.

Signed,
Dong-ha

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Dear Dong-ha,

First of all, I am very sorry you are so sad. Life can be really hard sometimes and very unfair. As far as not wanting to live at your grandmother's house, have you privately told this to your aunt? Does she support you in your decision? Does your aunt have a lot of children and it is easier for your grandmother to take care of you? Or do you help take care of your grandmother? I could give you several words of advice, but I don't know the situation very well. What I encourage you to do, is talk to your aunt and explain your feelings. If it is not possible to live with her (your aunt), try to make a list of why you are unhappy living with your grandmother and try to think of positive ways to make that house a happy home. Please know that trials are sometimes put into our lives to make us stronger people. The sun will come out soon. Please write me again and let me know how you are doing.

Your friend,
Sook-Hee

life's no fun

Dear Sook-Hee,

Hi. I have a problem. It's that I don't feel any fun in my life. So, when I rest, I really don't know what to do. What should I do?

Signed,
Black

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studies too hard

Dear Sook-Hee,

Studying in second grade is very, very, very hard. I want to do well on my exam, but I don't know how to study.

Signed,
Bool Sa Jo

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