Dear Nat: I’m having problems with one of my professors who may be biased against my political affiliation. I consider myself a Republican, and my professor is as liberal as they come. I received an “F” on a well-written paper, in which I happened to express my political views. Since then, he has stood me up for two meetings, treated me rudely in class and even pointed me out as the class “Honorary Republican.” Any advice?

— Righty Being Wronged
Dear Righty: Oh, those darn elections. Looks like all that political propaganda floating around for the past month has soaked into you and your professor’s heads with a desperate need for an outlet. Too bad you two couldn’t have used all your political energy at Eugene rallies and protests instead of taking it into class! Bring that slaved-over paper to your professor (during his office hours, so he’s sure to be there), and without yelling, “You crazy hippie!” ask why you received such a bad grade. Maybe the paper wasn’t written as well as you thought, or maybe the assignment did not ask for a personal opinion. If his reasoning seems unjust, continue your assignments this term while holding back your opinions. Sometimes a personal view can hit nerves in others, and it may be best to avoid expressing yourself in classroom settings.
If the name-calling and missed meetings are making you feel half as tall walking out the door as you did walking in, you have the right to speak up. In a private setting, tell your professor that his addressing your views publicly makes you uncomfortable. If the situation does not improve, take it to the department dean and make it clear that you are being harassed.
Although your professor has acted very immaturely, you shouldn’t have started the fire to begin with. In the future, aim to leave your views sealed up at home in a secrecy envelope.
Dear Nat: I’m a freshman, and I’m planning to major in theater. My parents are refusing to pay my tuition because they think I’ll never find a real job. I love theater and I can’t give it up. What can I do?

— Dreaming of Stardom
Dear Dreaming: What a bummer! You’re sitting there, starry-eyed and picturing your name in blinking lights on a billboard, while your parents are seeing each hard-earned check they write going toward a future of waiting tables.
I hate to say it, but parents aren’t always willing to fund something they don’t believe in. You have two choices: Choose a different major for free, or stick with theater on your own dollar. Decide if the acting is worth taking out loans and paying them off for the rest of your life. On your own funds, you can do anything you please. If this is a true, passionate, lifelong dream of yours, I say go for it. Just be prepared to handle any rejections or hardships you might encounter in the difficult world of theater.
Good luck to you. Be sure to give your parents front row tickets to your first Broadway debut. They’ll be thrilled, since all they’re expecting is a free meal at a restaurant.
Dear Nat: What do I do when I start laughing and can’t stop in the middle of a class lecture? It’s so embarrassing!

— Got the Giggles
Dear Giggles: You have three options.
1. Start coughing or blow your nose. Holding your nose actually forces you to stop laughing.
2. Sit near the aisle so you can quickly escape to the hallway when the attack hits.
3. Go with it! At least everyone in class will think you’re a happy person.