Dear Fred,

Alas, you are discovering why so many professionals are loathe to work with college students -- so many refuse to get their act together and take decisive action when it's needed.  It's a fast-paced world out there and many students refuse to take part in it.

This is a volunteer job.  If these lazy teens and early-twentysomethings are causing you such distress, then it's time to move on.  Keep volunteering -- just do so with a more responsible, active crowd.

-- M

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Dear Phyllis,

While you learn to love water, make sure you're ingesting as much liquid as close to water in content as you can.

Avoid soda drinks -- they will dehydrate you.

Be wary of exercise drinks -- they're meant to replace lost fluids and chemicals ... after exercise (meaning you could overload your system).

Try flavored water, sold in grocery stores.  It's a crutch, but it's a start.

As for learning to love plain ol' water -- perhaps your tap water does have a strange taste to it, due to any number of variables (the way it's treated, the fluoride level, etc.).  Try filtering your water at home -- new kits at grocery stores, Target and Wal-mart (e.g. the Brita system) make it easy and cheap to try.

And try drinking your water at different temperatures.  I have found most young Americans learn to love it at as cold a temperature as possible (without freezing) -- don't be surprised if it reminds you of that delicious, ice cold water fountain water from your school days.

-- M