I don’t know you. But I want to give you advice.
To get the introductions out of the way, my name is Alejandra, and I love to opine. I always find myself lending an eager ear to anyone who needs it, no matter the situation. I sometimes feel like I have seen it all.
Typically, my friends come to me, asking for guidance on whatever is plaguing them. Sometimes, they ask whether they should keep a job that is stressing them out a bit too much. They creep into my room on occasion to rant about their partners. One time, I was in the bathroom when my roommate tapped on the door, summoning me to dispense wisdom.
No matter where I am, I try to be there, listening and understanding. These small moments strengthened my ability to articulate my opinions and perspective on their situations. In a way, my friends have inspired me to write this column. They taught me that although life does not look the same for everyone, our shared humanity lies in those differences.
In my time at UF studying anthropology and English, I have encountered all kinds of people. Through those meetings, short or lifelong, I learned a little bit about everything under the sun. It is my job, and honor, to help you sort through the messiness of life. I do not promise to know everything or to solve all your problems, but I will provide my honest perspective on any issue that could use guidance without judgment.
Pierre Bayard writes, “Other people’s views are thus an essential prerequisite to forming an opinion of your own.” My advice is here to supplement what you already know. This serves as a no-judgement zone where anything goes. Trust me when I say, we are all more similar than we realize.
By writing in, you are starting a conversation about an important aspect of the human experience, even if it's just asking me if you should go vegan. At the end of the day, I am here as a resource to you. Think of me as an emotional librarian; I pull the sources and information from my catalogue and help you answer your research question. I am your faithful servant.
Send questions to opinions@alligator.org. Please include your name, age — and if you are a student — your major and year, even if you wish to remain anonymous. We can keep identifying information private. Questions may be edited for clarity in publication.
Alejandra Agustin is a 21-year-old UF English and anthropology student.
