Does anyone remember the TV show Charmed? If you do, you’ll remember the character Phoebe Halliwell, one of three sisters who just happen to be witches. I grew up watching Charmed, and it is still one of my favourite comfort TV shows; akin to how people comfort watch The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Modern Family and Friends. 

In Charmed, Phoebe goes back to college to get her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and applies to work at a newspaper. Eventually, she replaces the advice columnist there. Through her advice column Ask Phoebe, people anonymously write to her, asking for her advice on anything regarding relationships, work, education, and life in general. 

So here’s my pitch: I would love to bring back the advice column here at The Sheaf. Previously, it was known as Ask Dave. 

Some of you may know me, or know of me, through the grapevine that is student life. But I used to be President – and Vice President before that – of the Biochemistry Students’ Association (we hosted some pretty fun events at The Thirsty Scholar and in Health Sciences). Through all of that, I have always made an effort to show kindness and be approachable for fellow students. 

Some of you may have encountered me because I noticed you were needing directions on campus, needed a pen in class, needed a hand down a slippery walkway, or just seemed lonely and needed someone to talk to. We never exchanged names, but in that brief moment, I hope I was able to brighten your day a little.

Others may know me from being that girl who isn’t afraid of standing up in class to tell our group members to get our sh*t together for our group projects and presentations, or that girl who was able to “break the ice” so others in the class would feel more comfortable when it came to their turn to present or speak in class.

I’ve got a background in biochemistry, biotechnology, psychology and an interest in medicine. Of course, I always begin any health-related advice by explaining that I’m not a doctor and that people should bring their concerns up to their family physician. But I do my best to provide questioners with an explanation and direction. I also used to be a skin care consultant, and that’s also an area people often inquire about. 

Relationship advice is always a big one, and I’ve definitely got something to offer there. It’s not very common, but I have been with my “first boyfriend” since 2009, and we have been happily married since 2017. We’ve been through a lot in that time, so if you want my perspective on making things work, I’ve got you covered. 

Finally, I’ve been a student for many years. Over this time, I’ve accumulated many student “life-hacks”. For example, did you know about the USSU’s database of old exams that is accessible to all students, for free? I’ve learned how to approach professors or make myself stand out in classes, and if you ever have problems with group project work, I’ve been there and done that. 

So if you’re interested in wholesome, non-judgemental and effective advice on just about anything, send me an email at askjaclyn@thesheaf.com (feel free to use an alias, if you want). If you’d rather be even more anonymous, drop a letter off in the Ask Jaclyn mailbox outside the Sheaf office! Which is in the MUB, the same building Louis’ is in. I’ll publish my responses online and in the physical paper, and advertise them on The Sheaf’s social media. This advice column will hopefully help others who may have the same questions as you. Often we all feel alone in our struggles, but maybe we can change that with Ask Jaclyn.