Submission: A man messaged me on Facebook saying that he saw me on a dating app I do have a profile on, and he is kinda cute, but the thing is, he is kinda weird and tried to follow and connect with me on all my socials. What should I do? Btw, this is not a safety concern, you don’t need to report it, he lives like 4 hours away and looks short.
Response: Dearest Sibling, as I have observed matters of the heart over the years, it seems to be that there is a growing population of…how do you say? Weirdos. I’d suggest trusting your intuition and your gut if something initially feels off, accept that feeling and move on. Furthermore, if you have the option to avoid long distance before getting involved, take it, since distance often does not make the heart grow fonder. Remember a true gentleman would not invade your privacy and would allow much time to pass before following all of your socials. See, it’d make more sense that he reached out and showed interest in you on the dating application that you have. Politely decline and go meet someone organically. True love is out there, stay hopeful!
Fondly,
–Miss Magnolia
Submission: Recently, I have felt really overwhelmed with my college workload. What advice could you give to someone who’s trying to learn how to balance college life and also still have a social life?
Response: Dearest Sibling, during this time of the school year, it is understandable that you can begin to feel overwhelmed and overburdened. As I watch over the lovely students who attend this college, I have picked up a few study tactics over the years. Firstly, get organized, whether you’re a disorganized or scattered-brained person or not; find a system that works for you. I’d suggest having a notebook or planner dedicated to writing down your tasks, and plan to complete things a day or two before the deadline. If you are making an effort to look ahead you can have some breathing room when unexpected events arise. If you carve out the necessary time needed for your schoolwork, then you can also schedule time to socialize! It does not need to be a grand event. Make an effort to eat together every day, choose a mealtime that works with everyone and stick to it, even 30 minutes of connection throughout the day can make a lasting difference. Remember it’s quality or quantity, it’s not about how often you see your friends but the lasting impression it leaves you with. Lastly, if you want to kill two birds with onw stone, study with your friends!
Yours Truly,
–Miss Magnolia
Submission: Naturally, as Salem and many of its appliances are old, a lot of things tend to break down or stop working from time to time. Washers, dishwashers, microwaves, toilets, et,c and even multiple things can be broken at once, but as a student here, I find it extremely confusing and…honestly, a little annoying to try using Operations Hero to send in a work order. I feel like I’m always hunting to find the right website, and the site itself is difficult to navigate. Someone should post QR codes around campus that lead to the correct site, or should organize a document explaining step-by-step instructions. Haha, maybe even the playwright group can make a “gag” ad campaign, 50’s commercial style about it…” Is your dorm microwave broken? Someone broke the sink at 2 am? Or maybe your AC decided to give out? Look no further, Operation Hero is your go-to for any appliance concerns!
Response: Dearest Sibling, thank you so much for writing in! It is frustrating that many of our appliances are quite aged and show it as well. In technology, Salem feels like it’s at least ten years behind the times, or even a dollhouse perpetually stuck in 2007. Nonetheless, I empathize with your plight. It does get frustrating when I am trying to have a nightly stroll and quickly flickering lights disturb the serenity of the night sky. In this new age, my stargazing has been disturbed by both the loud, droning groan of old AC units and the terrible light pollution. Heaven forbid a woman has hobbies! In my personal opinion, I think Operations Hero is quite nice. From what I have heard from my friends inhabiting the halls, it’s fairly simple to navigate once you become properly acquainted with it. I do agree that there should be very accessible instructions manual on how to use it. Perhaps our lovely Residence Life team could create posters and place them all around the residence halls. Despite it all, I’m very happy that our wonderful maintenance team is very speedy, efficient, and kind when it comes to responding to work orders. On your idea for a playwright group, I think that would be a very funny idea! Maybe someone can revitalize the old “Freshman Dramatics Club” to make short skits about the woes of Salem. I’m sure we all have our fair share of complaints towards our lovely school. Perhaps a series of skits about first-year specific woes, such as getting acquainted with our unique campus culture, figuring out how exactly the lines at the Refectory work, or how hilly our campus is! Hahaha! Salem, oh Salem, how unique you are! Maybe I will pick up learning how to fix pipes and repair lights while I eagerly await more submissions.
Sincerely,
–Miss Magnolia
Submission: I went to the state fair, and a cute boy was flirting with me when my friend and I were walking into a ride. Best ways to flirt back safely?
Response: Dearest Sibling, ah, yes, I am familiar with matters of the heart, but I also am aware that over time, safety is a growing concern that needs to be addressed. How exciting it could be if we could have a carless flirtation without being aware of the potential of negative consequences and even dangers. I’d say it’s all about your comfort level, whether that’s expressing your excitement through body language, facial expressions, or verbally, if they are paying attention they will take all levels of a romantic hint. At first please keep your distance, keep your wits about you, and assess the situation. If all flags are looking green, then take a leap of faith and put yourself out there! It all starts with a simple introduction and sparks can fly from there. Flirting is fun and often harmless, but remember your safety is your number one priority!
Most Ardently,
–Miss Magnolia
Submission: I’m a first-year student, and the adjustment from high school to college has been more difficult than I thought it would be. I knew it wouldn’t be a walk in the park. But it’s been hard to find motivation to wake up and do what I need to. I feel so overwhelmed with school work and keeping connections with my friends and family.
Response: Dearest Sibling, I see your struggles and I must remind you that you are most definitely not alone in these feelings. There is so much about college life that adolescents are kept in the dark about and not prepared for such as dorm life, work load, social pressures. Luckily Salem is different than the stereotypical college experience, and there are support systems here that are intended to help the student body. Such as reaching out to your advisor, head of your major’s department, free counseling, the QUEST and Writing Center, and even your professors. Salem is small but mighty, one of our greatest strengths is our tightly knitted sense of community, all it takes to make a change in your life is having the courage to reach out! I promise people are earnestly here to help you! Feel free to find a trusted upperclassmen and pick their brain about all the questions you may have! Take a deep breath and remember that you are in control.
Best Regards,
–Miss Magnolia
Submission: I’ve heard things about someone I thought was a friend, saying nasty things about a hobby of mine and how I do it. When I confronted this friend, they denied it happened, and I’m not sure how much I can trust what people have been saying about what happened from either side. Overall, I’m just not sure what to do.
Response: Dearest Sibling, it’s unfortunate how common it is for peoples first reaction to be judgemnt towards the things they do not understand. I’d say if this hobby of yours brings you joy, and does not harm either yourself or others than most definitely continue. I would try to regulate yourself before responding to their rudeness and contact the person making the claims directly, and avoid dragging more people than necessary into the situation. You don’t owe them an explanation, but possibly describe your feelings, how they were hurt, and come up with a plan to avoid this spat in the future. That may mean creating some distance, and finding people that understand and show interest in your hobbies!
My thoughts are with you,
–Miss Magnolia
Submission: Is a long-distance relationship worth keeping while in college? It feels draining to keep up with while I’m balancing classes, clubs, sports, and self-care, but when I see my significant other in person (only three times throughout the year), everything feels right.
Response: Dearest Sibling, I can see how long distance relationships can put strain on the relationship. I would pay attention to how you feel about their communication and understanding of your time commitments and every day responsibilities. Find unique ways to keep the spark alive, consider reading the same book together, watching movies over facetime, sending love letters back and forth, and recommending music. The key to success for a long distance relationship is trust, understanding, grace, and a strong romantic attraction and interest. With that in mind, listen to what your subconscious and body is telling you. Think about what you want instead of what you should want.
I wish you two all the best,
–Miss Magnolia
The Salemite- Salem College's Newspaper 
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