Struggling with a tough relationship? Want to know the best ways to make friends or to talk to your crush? Ask Alicia! Send in your questions and dilemmas and Alicia will answer you. All questions are anonymous and personal info is not revealed. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fbX92hZn8of5GSGw6gsacLpDEqdB9DlZ1_skCXzFepo/edit#responses  Submit your problems here!

Hey Alicia,

I really want to go into graphic design when I get older, but now, AI is probably going to take over the job. I’m a junior right now and have to decide which college I want to go to soon, and I want to take an art-related field, but I feel like an art degree is going to be useless in a few years as AI persists. 

Any suggestions on what to do?

Creative Carl

Dear Carl,

With the rise of AI, many people in creative fields (and others) are also worried about AI’s impact and what it could mean for their career. So, you are definitely not alone. Right now, the use of AI is widespread and can be used for just about anything. People are kind of in an AI craze, whether it’s making graphics or using it for homework help. But, hopefully, they will start to realize that AI doesn’t need to be used every single day, for a majority of tasks. AI is a super cool tool that, if applied right, can be a major help to humans. But, if it is abused -which it often is- it can lead folks down a path that ends in weakened critical thinking skills, negative environmental impacts, and harder problems to solve next time. But, I can assure you one thing. AI can come pretty close, but cannot replace humans, especially when it comes to our abilities to think, create, and feel. And a super cool way that we express those talents is through art! So, don’t think of your choosing to pursue art as a risk, make it feel like a step into the core values of being human. It’s a chip away at the handcuffs AI seems to have put us in. I, along with many others, are so grateful and hopeful to see more young people wanting to become artists, creators,  and dreamers, because that’s exactly what combats the AI “pandemic”.

Hope that helps, 

Alicia

Alicia,

I’m starting to suspect one of my friends has a secret they’re keeping from me, we tell each other everything and stuff but they are being very reclusive which is weird for them. I don’t want to bring it up cause they’d probably get mad at me, but I feel shut out. 

How do I get them to tell me?

Suspicious Sally

Dear Sally,

This is a hard dilemma. First of all, you want to make your friend feel supported. Everyone needs people to check in on them, and don’t be afraid to give this friend an extra dose of love. Maybe they really aren’t ready to share, but what will make them feel more accepted is unwavering support from you. When you check in on them, ask them about their life lately, whether it be home, school, their relationships, or identity. I know it is hard to be kept out of the loop, but you always want to consider their feelings before a need to “know”. Next, make it clear you are a trustworthy friend they can rely on. They won’t tell a big secret to a blabbermouth or someone who feels unstable. Finally, if they do decide to tell you, be supportive and give genuine, honest advice. But, if they never do, you might have to become fine with that too. Everyone has something no one else knows.

Hope that helps,

Alicia

Dear Alicia, 

I cannot stop eating Burger King. I don’t know what to do, I genuinely cannot eat anything else. And it doesn’t help that they now have that awesome playground outside of the Menomonie location. 

What do I do????

The Burger King

Dear The Burger King,

I have never gotten an entry like this before! First of all, think about what the draw is to Burger King specifically. Maybe it’s a certain food, the playground, interior, or someone that works there. Whatever it is, I think the best solution is to find a healthier alternative for it. But, don’t feel like you have to keep this completely out of your life, you should have all things in moderation. But, if you feel so obsessed with Burger King, this is definitely an issue. If the problem is the food, try learning a recipe at home that makes a similar dish. Making it at home can save cost and provide a more nutritious and sustaining meal. If the playground is the thing that draws you in, maybe find one close to home or in another part of town. Menomonie is home to many cool and exciting playgrounds that are away from a Burger King. If it’s just the general vibe of the place, try getting a job there to make money and fuel the addiction! Finally, if it’s the people or a person who works there, try getting to know them outside of their place of work. I hope this works out for you and please give me an update when you start to figure things out, I would be happy to post it or keep it private.

Hope that helps, 

Alicia

Alicia,

Can’t stop picking my nose from stress.

Booger Billy

Dear Billy,

Oh my goodness, gracious! This sounds like a pretty bad habit. I would suggest trying to replace this habit with something a little better for you. Whenever you get the urge, try and instantly replace it with another movement. That could be using a fidget toy, bouncing your leg, gently squeezing your hands/fingers, or whatever else helps. Habits are hard to break, and I give you the best of luck on the journey.

Hope that helps!

Alicia