66°
UMass Boston's independent, student-run newspaper

The Mass Media

The Mass Media

The Mass Media

Ask Jack and Jade

DISCLAIMER:
We are not professionals. We are students looking to help fellow students in their time of need.
Submit questions to askjackandjade[@]gmail.com. Submissions must be less than 200 words. All questions will be posted as anonymous unless specified otherwise.
Dear Jack and Jade,
How do I feel more comfortable wearing a bikini this summer season? I dread it every year and I’m tired of not feeling confident. 
Sincerely,
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
With the media constantly feeding us their definition of beauty, it leaves many of us feeling insufficient and uncomfortable in our own skin. This is something I have battled with myself. The last time I wore a bikini was about 3 or 4 years ago. I can remember holding my belly the entire time because I thought my belly was too big. I was with family and friends and they all laughed at what they thought was me overacting, but to me, it was a serious issue. I felt insufficient because I thought to myself, I am not thin enough, and my belly isn’t flat enough, therefore, I should not be wearing a bikini.
What this has taught me is this: if you go around comparing yourself to others and constantly thinking there is something wrong with you, you’ll never be happy. We should stop comparing ourselves to others and stop fantasizing over other people’s bodies and start loving our own. But do not go around thinking to yourself that you are not enough, because you are more than enough. I encourage you to rock your bikini this summer and remember, you do not have to look like a model in order to look good in a bikini.
All the best,
Jade
Dear Jack and Jade,
I’m trying to figure out where to live next semester. Do you think the apartments at Harbor Point and Peninsula are worth the price?
From,
Struggling Student
Dear Struggling Student,
I actually lived at BOTH those places—Peninsula was a little too expensive for me. I had one roommate and lived in a 1-bedroom apartment and it was $900 per month for EACH of us, not including utilities.
As for Harbor Point, a little less luxurious but it gets the job done and can feel very home-y. I split a 2 bedroom with three other people and we each paid about $600 per month not including utilities. I would recommend Harbor Point if you’re struggling with cash, but Peninsula if you can afford it. Both places are lovely and safe! Good luck! 
Jack
Dear Jack and Jade,
What are some small ways to live in the moment? I feel like I don’t enjoy each day to the fullest. I want to find some ways to make the most of each day.
– Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Many of us always wait for the perfect moment to enjoy life. However, there is no perfect moment. We just have to make the most of the present. There is no perfect moment in life. If we wait for the perfect moment and opportunity, it’s likely that they may never come.
One way you can live in the moment is by not waiting until you have money to spend time with a friend, family, or your significant other. If you wait until you have money, you could be waiting a long time. You don’t have to have money to spend time with your loved ones. Life is all about living in the present and enjoying each and every moment.
You should also make it a habit to make the most of each and every day. The truth is, none of us are here forever, so why wait to start enjoying life? Life can be rough and depressing sometimes, but it is all a part of it. Don’t let the bad times keep you from enjoying the good times, just know the bad times won’t last forever.
Best,
Jade
Dear Anonymous,
Make a list of things that matter most to you (for example: family, being outdoors, being with friends, getting ahead in your job, or other goals—it will vary from person to person!) And then prioritize your time so that you can fit in more of the things that matter to you. Also, don’t be afraid to say yes to new experiences. You might be afraid at first, but it’s a great way to learn about yourself and the world around you. Just remember: life is short and tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Good luck!
Jack