DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend and I have been together for almost a year, and we think its time to start a sexual relationship.

Since both of us are Catholic, we have always been taught that it is sinful to use contraceptives to avoid pregnancy. I have read books explaining the best time for a female to have sex and not get pregnant, and we plan to use this rhythm method information to decrease the odds of an unwanted pregnancy.

Even though I hope I won't get pregnant, if somehow I do, we have discussed getting married immediately because we love each other and plan to be married in the future anyway. We are both 19 and would be 20 by the time a child would be brought into our world because of our love.

My boyfriend is really into statistics, and he wants to know the odds of avoiding pregnancy in a year's time if we have sex once a week. Is it likely that we can go zero for 52? — Catholic Girl, Cincinnati

CATHOLIC GIRL: You will probably get pregnant. As you might imagine, I have read and studied many research reports on this topic over the years, and the general consensus reported is that if teens engage in unprotected sex and do not use effective contraceptives, the chance of pregnancy is quite high.

Since you were taught that using contraceptives was sinful, you also must know that premarital sex likely also goes against the church's teachings. My advice to you is to give up the selective application of theology and actually make some good decisions about your life.

IS A COMMUNITY COLLEGE WORTH CONSIDERING?

DR. WALLACE: I'm a regular guy who is a high school senior and will graduate this June. Since it's already late January, my uncle suggested I think about attending a community college after I graduate. He said I could take one class over the summer to see how it goes for me. I'm not a great high school student, but I'm not a terrible student either. It's just that I get so bored having to study subjects I'm so completely uninterested in.

I understand that I can pick the classes for myself in college, at least to start with. I understand that if I do want to try someday for a four-year degree, I will have to take certain classes to meet various requirements and I can eventually major in a subject that I choose.

Do you think this is a good idea for me, or would community college just be a waste of time? — Pondering My Future, via email

PONDERING: Community colleges offer courses that transfer to any college or university in our nation! When attending a community college, it is imperative that you explain your goals to your counselor to make sure every course you take is transferable to a four-year school — if that's your plan.

However, if you wish to start by taking a few classes you feel you would enjoy or that may help you learn a trade that could lead you to a job, I think that is absolutely fine, too. I suggest you take your wise uncle's advice and try one class over the summer. Pick a subject or topic that truly interests you so it won't feel like a drag to have to be in class during the summer. Ideally, you'll find a subject (and instructor) that makes it a joy to learn something new about something you care about.

Personally, I feel every student who even remotely considers going to a community college should do so. Remember, there is no obligation or pressure on you to take too many classes at once. It's always a good idea to try at least one college class (for those inclined) the summer or fall right after high school graduation. I have heard numerous stories of regret from readers who thought they would eventually take a few community college classes to get started on a college degree only to miss out because they became locked into a dead-end job they really didn't like.

So, go for it! You'll soon know if you like college or not, and best of all, community colleges are far, far more affordable than typical four-year universities. Good luck with this excellent idea.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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