Want to run away and visit my boyfriend

Dear Pastor,

I am 18 years old and I am attending university. I am in my first year, but I am having problems.

I did not want to attend this university, but I was forced to do so because of my father. This university is where he attended and where he met my mother. I wanted to go and study in Florida. My father could afford to support me there, but he is just very stubborn.

I have a boyfriend and my parents know him. Both of us have been friends from I was 16. My parents and friends had a sweet 16 birthday party for me and my boyfriend attended. When it was time to cut the cake, I called on him to cut it with me, and pictures were taken of us doing so.

This guy is now living in Florida, and my parents are aware that he is there. My father said that he is not supporting me in Florida because this guy would be a distraction. I am very upset with my parents, especially my dad. I love my dad so much. I miss my boyfriend. Sometimes when I miss him, I cry and I call him, and he tries to comfort me. He wants to come to Jamaica during the summer, but he has got a summer job and he is trying to work to earn enough to pay his tuition and to help with bills where he is living.

I have a visa and there are times I feel that I would just pack up and go away and be with my boyfriend. I know I should not think this way, and he is not encouraging me to leave home. But I miss my boyfriend so much and the days are going by slowly.

K.L.

Dear K.L.,

Cool it, you are going to regret it if you were to try to give up your studies here in Jamaica and go to America because your boyfriend is there.

You are fortunate to have got a space at university; do your best there. Keep in touch with your boyfriend, but don't allow the desire to see him affect your studies. You have it relatively easy now, but if you were to go to America, you will have to struggle.

Life will not be as easy as you may believe. So learn to be a good girl, aim high, and work towards your goal. I wish you well.

Pastor