Hi Jewel: I'm 14 and I've been reading your column since I was 12. I couldn't believe that you collect dolls, too. Can you tell me more about your dolls? My friends don't know that I collect dolls. I keep them hidden in a room they don't enter, and I've sworn my parents to secrecy. I don't think they'll think it's cool. What do you think? - Candy
Dear Candy: I've been an active doll collector for five years. I was inspired to cross into this entertaining realm after visiting the Shankar's International Dolls Museum in New Delhi, India. In fact, I bought my first doll at the airport before I boarded my flight home. At the time, I didn't think much of my purchase. I had no idea I'd been bitten by something big.
Fast-forward to the present day, and you'll find about 40 dolls in my apartment. My collection is made up of predominately female figures dressed in ethnic wear from various cultures. My goal is to have a doll from every country on our planet before my 65th birthday. A girl can dream, can't she?
For the record, a doll collection is nothing to be embarrassed about. It's simply a physical representation of your personal tastes. I think you're making a mistake by hiding this aspect of yourself from your buds. They deserve to know the real you. Besides, you don't want to get into the habit of being ashamed of who you are. That's dangerous territory.
You should make an event out of introducing your pals to your hobby. Make invitation cards asking them to come to your house for a special unveiling. Polish your dolls in anticipation of their visit. Arm yourself with doll-collecting knowledge. Prepare to showcase the skills you've developed as a collector.
Make a production of the day by hosting a question-and-answer period. Your objective should be to have fun, and introduce your friends to the whole you. If, in fact, your group pops silly queries, hang onto the virtue of patience. Remind yourself that you're an ambassador to a world unfrequented by many. Last, but not least, hold your chin up and be proud of who you are - always. Love, Jewel
Dear Dave: I am in my final year of high school and I want to take the next year off to travel the country and find odd jobs along the way. I will have the marks to go to college, but I honestly don't know what I want to do with my life, which means I don't know what to study.
My parents think I'm crazy. They think there will be a danger of me not going back to school at all. My take is, why blow money on courses I don't want, when I can use that time to learn what it is that I want to do long-term? Also, I've never traveled, and I would like to see the country more. It makes sense to me. What do you think? - Travel bug
Dear Travel Bug: I'm with you on this one. Traveling sounds like a good idea when you can't make up your mind about school. Your parents might think you're crazy, but I think you are more adventurous than some. A trip across the country can actually give you some ideas on what you want to do for the rest of your life.
Two warnings, though. First, remember that traveling doesn't come cheap, so be frugal about how much you spend this year. Even though you're not spending money on tuition, dropping cash on hostels, food and tourist exhibits can eat into your account. Best to travel for part of the year and work a job to pay off what you spent.
Also, your parents are thinking worst-case scenario - some kids graduate from high school, promise to go to college and never find the motivation to do so after a year off. During your travels, keep telling yourself that you'll stick to your guns and return to school, if that's what you truly want to do.
nnn
Got a hot question for our cool columnists? E-mail Jewel or Dave at writeus@ypp.net.
