STILLWATER, Okla. — I went to see Toy Story 3 with my family, and believe it or not, that's where I got the idea for this column.

Aside from being a very good movie for kids and those of us who act like kids, there was actually a very good message included.

You'll probably remember that Andy is the child who owns Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and all the other toys in the first two movies. Well, in the third installment, Andy is set to leave for college. And the toys are left to ponder their future, unsure how 18 year old Andy feels about them.

My suggestion to you students is to make sure the people you care about, those who have meant something to you, know how you feel about them.

I'm not suggesting you'll never see them again, or trying to make you get weepy or anything. I'm just saying that things will never again be like they are right now.  

You likely won't see all the same people and see them as much as you do now, and your relationships will likely change some.

Tell your younger brother he's not quite as big of a jerk as you may have acted like he was ... Tell your favorite teacher or the pastor at church how much you've appreciated their listening ear ... Tell your folks how much you respect them or how you appreciate all they've done for you ... Maybe you could leave them a note when you leave or e-mail them before you leave. You get the idea - Just do it!  It will be good for you and they'll love it!

One thing Andy did late in the movie, that I would suggest you do is to buckle up (your seatbelt). As Andy got into his car to leave for college he made sure to buckle his seatbelt.

This is both a specific example and a metaphor for all the things you've done in the past few years because you would get in trouble if you didn't. Now you won't have the same people reminding you or making you do what they want, and you'll have the opportunity to make your own decisions.

I'd just encourage you to NOT toss out all those rules and instructions that guided your behavior and actions until now. While I understand (and even encourage that) you'll be making your own decisions and choosing what's right for you, you should know that not everything your parents said lacks value entirely (translate that, sometimes they're right!).

So now you’ve got a few weeks to start talking to people like I suggested, and then, when you get to college, I’m suggesting you hold on to some of those annoying habits your parents have imposed on you.  I think both will give you a good feeling and help you start college on a very positive note.



Submit your questions to lance@collegeanswerguy.com  and visit www.collegeanswerguy.com  and www.collegeprep101.com .