DEAR ABBY: I am a daughter of two parents who, until recently, have been the best parents a girl could hope for. I graduated from high school and was accepted into a prestigious college in New York. I attended the school for a year, and my grades -- like those of many freshmen -- were not exciting.
During the second semester, my father lost his job, and so I finished the semester and dropped out of school. I no longer attend college. I am working part-time now, using the other time to look for a second job.
At family gatherings, my parents continue to say I attend this prestigious school, that I am "doing great" and that I'm almost done with college. I am not hurt as much as I am ashamed. Are my parents ashamed of me and my current "non-student" status? What should I do? -- DENIED IN N.Y.
DEAR DENIED: Your parents may feel ashamed that they haven't been able to pay for your education as they had planned, but I don't think they are in any way ashamed of you.
With one year of college under your belt, it is important that you complete your education. Because you can no longer depend upon your parents to pay for it, my advice is to pay a visit to the financial aid office of the school you were attending and see what you can work out. Your local library is also a terrific source of information when researching scholarships for which you might qualify. Please don't wait any longer to do this.