Dear Golden Gael,
The amount of red ink my professor used on my first English essay left me seeing red. I don’t know what happened because in high school I never got anything lower than a B. I thought my paper was worthy of an A. What can I do to improve my marks on my essay?
Sincerely,
Early Shakespeare Sonnets Suck
Dear Early Shakespeare Sonnets,
Don’t worry—it’s a learning experience. It happens to everyone! But there is help from the folks at the Writing Centre on Stuart Street at the bottom of University Avenue. They offer one-on-one tutorials and a number of courses that run in the Fall and Winter terms. Visit them, or check out their website at queensu.ca/writingcentre. Best of luck on your next essay, and remember: in most programs, a 65 is all you need to stay alive!
Dear Golden Gael,
I’m taking first-year physics and first-year calculus. My head hurts. Is there anywhere that I can find someone to help me with my courses?
Yours,
Mathematically Challenged
Dear Challenged,
The Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Society has a service for Arts and Sciences students to help you called Mindfind. Volunteers at Mindfind will match you with a tutor who has received greater than 75 per cent in the course in which you need help. It does cost seven dollars per hour but if it helps you get through that tough requirement, it’s worth the cash. Drop by the CORE at 183 University Ave to sign up. Several of the other faculty societies offer similar services.
Dear Golden Gael,
I know it’s July, but I still don’t have a place to live. I’m from the U.S., and I’ve never been to Kingston before. Will I have a place to live in the fall?
With hope,
Homeless
Dear Homeless,
If you don’t want to pitch a tent in the JDUC, you have a number of options. Call Residence Life to see if they can squeeze you in: 533-2500 or reshouse@post.queensu.ca. There is also a listing of houses and apartments available for rent at queensu.ca/dsao/housing/ah1.htm. The International Centre also has listings for international students, and you can find that database at queensu.ca/quic/housing/database. Finally, another underappreciated option is the Science ’44 Co-op. This is a group that provides housing for Queen’s and St. Lawrence College students. A majority of their houses have a meal plan, and require three volunteer hours per week in the kitchen. You can find out more information about this group at science44co-op.com. Remember, there are plenty of places in Kingston to live, if you take the time to look.
Dear Golden Gael,
I had my 19th birthday last weekend and my friends and I went out for a wild night of partying. But I’m starting to worry about what happened that night. I think I might have caught something—I don’t remember using condoms. I’m pretty scared thinking about all the things that might be wrong. Where can I go for help?
Best wishes,
Partied Out
Dear Partied Out,
First, happy belated birthday. Secondly, get yourself down to Health Services in the LaSalle Building, located beside the Writing Centre at the bottom of University Avenue. There you can see a nurse right away, or make an appointment to see a doctor if you need one. The wonderful nurses at Health Services have seen it all, so don’t be embarrassed.
Finally, pay a visit to the Sexual Health Resource Centre (SHRC).There you can find information about a plethora of sex-related issues, including ways to prevent any future sexually transmitted infections. The SHRC also sells condoms at the lowest price in Kingston and sells sex toys at cost.
Also, the SHRC “Sexperts” present guest speakers on a variety of issues, and can also present an information session for almost any type of gathering. You can find them in the John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC), in room 223.
Dear Golden Gael,
I am entering my first December exam period at the University. My diet is lousy and my exercise and stress relief is lousier. I swear my hair is falling out just thinking about all the things I should be doing instead of writing you this letter. What should I do?
Psych Case Study
Dear PCS,
First off, it was not a waste of time to write this letter. Go down to Counselling Services (upstairs in the LaSalle Building at 146 Stuart St.) and get a slot to talk to the triage nurse. This person will assess who is the best person for you to talk to. Counselling services offers a range of services from personal counselling, to cross-cultural counselling, learning strategies development, career counselling and a Peer-Mentor Program. All these services are available to all students. You can find out more at their website queensu-hcds.org, or you can just go down and talk to them in person.
Dear Golden Gael,
I was out late one night studying at friend’s house in the Ghetto. I didn’t get done until 1 a.m., and it was a scary walk back to my residence. Is there anyone on campus who can help me get home safely?
Walking Alone,
Living in Kingston
Dear Walking Alone,
Yes, there are teams of people who would love to walk you home: the folks at Walkhome. Teams of two walkers will accompany you from anywhere from West campus, on the west side, York Street on the north side, Lake Ontario to the south side, and Ontario Street to the east side to anywhere else within those boundaries.
The service is available from dusk until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. Just call them at 533-WALK (9255), or visit them in the JDUC to arrange a walk. You can also use any blue lights or phones on campus to get in touch with Walkhome.
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s)-in-Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be contacted, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to journal_editors@ams.queensu.ca.