Changing major despite mom's wishes

DEAR HARRIETTE

» As my graduation approaches, my mother has set her expectations for me to pursue a business course followed by a career in law. However, my true passion lies in filmmaking, a dream I have harbored for years. Despite excelling academically and being at the top of my class, I have always followed my mother's guidance. After numerous arguments with her, I am considering changing my degree without her knowledge to pursue my passion for film. The thought of deviating from her plans for me is daunting, but I yearn to follow my heart. I am conflicted about whether this decision is wise, or if it will strain our relationship.

— Filmmaker in the Making?

DEAR FILMMAKER IN THE MAKING? » One of the toughest challenges for young people is becoming independent of their

Happy Birthday: Don't fold under pressure this year. Your numbers are 5, 12, 18, 24, 36, 45, 48.

Birthday Baby: You are steadfast, loyal and resourceful. You are intuitive and empathetic.

Aries (March 21-April 19): Energize, contribute, participate and make a difference. Your input can improve your community if you throw your energy behind a cause that concerns you. \*\*\*

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Jump in, take charge, accomplish what you set out to do and make your world rock. Take the initiative, rely on your instincts and drive, and you won't be disappointed. \*\*\*

Gemini (May 21-June 20): parents. A parent's job is to set you up to be able to take care of yourself and live a fulfilling life. Parents do that by supporting you in whatever ways they envision will help you, including sometimes nudging you toward one life goal or another. You probably already know that your mother's intentions are good, even if they are myopic. She wants you to have a good, secure job where you will be able to take care of yourself. In her mind, law seems more secure than filmmaking. She's not necessarily wrong.

That said, if your heart is set on filmmaking, you owe it to yourself to learn more about that field. Start making your own films as a hobby. Get into it and discover if you have a gift in that arena. Take some classes and learn the craft. If you absolutely have no interest in a law career, you can stop pursuing that once you have another way to support yourself. Go for your

An open mind and willingness to listen will arm you with what you need to know and understand to get things done or to decide what to do next. \*\*\*\*\*

Cancer (June 21-July 22):

Put your skills to the test, add to your qualifications or consider how to modify your lifestyle to accommodate what's important to you. \*\*

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22):

Stop, take a breath and consider the fallout if you make a wrong move. Be innovative and considerate. \*\*\*\*

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Taking a day trip, reuniting with old friends or exploring a pastime that interests you will encourage positive dream by planning it out. Figure out ways to earn a living that will support your filmmaking dream, knowing that it will take time for that field to support you. When that transition finally happens, ask your mother to trust that you must follow your own path.

DEAR HARRIETTE » As a quiet and reserved individual, I recently transferred to a new school due to being bullied in my previous environment. I have managed to make new friends at my current school, but they are unaware of my past experiences. Unfortunately, I have observed them engaging in bullying behavior toward others, which deeply troubles me. I am hesitant to disclose my history to my new friends and urge them to stop, fearing that my vulnerability may lead to a repeat of past mistreatment. I empathize with the victim of their bullying and feel conflicted about how to address the situation without jeopardizing my own wellbeing and relationships change. \*\*\*

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Emotions will skyrocket and require guidance to avoid trouble. Channel your energy into love, romance or home improvements and you'll be happy with how things transpire. \*\*\*

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You need an outlet for pent-up energy and a challenge that requires mental stimulation and physical endurance. Stop procrastinating and follow your heart. \*\*\*

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don't cloud your vision with other people's problems when you should focus on how to use your skills to get ahead. \*\*\*\*

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. with my new friends.

— Transfer Student

DEAR TRANSFER STUDENT » You don't have to reveal your history of being bullied to stand up for those they are bullying. Speak directly to your new friends and tell them how surprised and disappointed you are to see the way they treat certain people. Remind them of how you look at them, at how kind and accepting they seemed to be to you when you arrived at the school (assuming that is accurate). Ask them to show more compassion to the students they have targeted. If they don't, it's time to seek better friends. 19): Step outside your comfort zone and you'll discover you have more talent and resolve than you thought. \*\*

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don't worry about those who choose a different path or labor over competitive challenges. Apply pressure where pressure is due and you'll get what you want. Use your intelligence and offer incentives to get the right people to buy into your plans. \*\*\*\*\* Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Implement a lifestyle change that helps you balance your budget and ease stress. Consider using your skills differently or turning a pastime project into extra income. \*\*\*