Dear Jasmine,
I grew up thinking that my father was my biological father. When I turned 18 years old and was about to head off to college, my parents told me the truth. It turns out that my biological father left my mom when she was pregnant and ended up in prison. I was pretty shocked when I found out and was pretty depressed. I pretty much did bad during my first quarter at college and am now on academic probation.
I haven’t really talked to my parents about this and I am not sure what I want to do. I only have seen my parents twice since I started college and they do not know I am failing. My mom told me she doesn’t know anything about my real dad and that she thinks I am better off without him. I think she may be right but something in me still wants to know more about him. What do you think I should do?
Lisa G.
New York, NY
Dear Lisa,
One thing you need to get back on track is your schoolwork. Get together with your counselor and figure out a game plan on how to get you back on track to earning passing grades. In regards to your biological father, it sounds like he isn’t a very good guy all around but whose to stay he hasn’t changed. I mean chances are slim but you never know.
I would encourage you to talk to your mother about him and find out what you want to know about him. I think it is important for you to communicate with your mom because keeping these things inside may just drive you crazy and distract you from important things like your schoolwork!
I am sure it was a hard thing for your parents to tell you but it sounds like your parents wanted to wait until they felt you were ready and perhaps when they were ready. Give it some time, it’s not a easy thing to adjust to but the key is communication. Talk to your mom and take things one day at a time. Just don’t forget that you have a life and you need to stay on track.
Always here,
Jasmine
