DEAR HARRIETTE: My son has become involved in the student government at his school. As political topics have come up on campus, conversations have gotten heated, and my son has taken a stand. I am proud of him, but I’m also concerned. He is up for a scholarship for college, and I worry that if he becomes too politically vocal, he could lose this important money that can help him go to college. Should I encourage him to tone down his comments so that he can look ahead to the future? -- On the Line, Atlanta
DEAR ON THE LINE: You should encourage your son to be himself and to stand up for what he believes to be true and fair. Since he has felt the urge to be a leader in his school, allow him to be just that. We need more people who are willing to stand up for others. Can that lose him a scholarship? I would say it could lose him a scholarship to a school that isn’t a match for him.
Look more broadly at colleges and universities. Search for those that welcome his brand of social awareness and outspokenness. Rather than attempting to suppress his growing voice, help him find the right center of higher education to further cultivate his mind.