Dear Patti,

My name is Lauren and I am a senior in high school and live in North Carolina with my parents. I have been accepted at Caltech for next year. I am very excited. My aunt lives in Pasadena and the plan has been to live with her while I am going to school. Three weeks ago, I came out on spring break to stay with my aunt and see what it is like. Pasadena is great; in fact I am love with Southern California. What I didn’t expect was how difficult it was to stay with my aunt. She would get in different moods and I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do. Recently, her family doctor referred her to a psychiatrist and the psychiatrist diagnosed her with cyclothymia. What is cyclothymia? I feel guilty, but I think I want to stay in the dorm at school. What should I do?
—Lauren

Dear Lauren,
Congratulations on being accepted to Caltech. That’s quite an accomplishment! This is a special time in your life and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be with your peers and experience college to its fullest. Stay where you’re going to feel the most comfortable: you have nothing to be guilty about. You can still spend time with your aunt and support her without losing your dream of a fantastic academic experience.