Answers: Part 3

shaantvis: "What reasons do you have for going to BYU? Any prospects in transferring to another school?"

Great question, shaantvis. I began serving my time back in 2006. This was during the time in which I was trying desperately to suppress my homosexuality. I was so ashamed of it; I was so afraid of people finding out. So, I went along with everything I was "supposed" to do. That included attending BYU, because that's what all good mormons do, right? If I had decided to go somewhere else, that would have elicited questions of "Why didn't you go to BYU?" or even worse, people assuming that I was not worthy to attend BYU. I thought that, for sure, if I decided not to go to BYU, people would somehow realize that I was gay. It's interesting to look back and realize just how naïve I was.

Even after my mission, I decided to come back to BYU, even though I knew it would be hard for me. I try not to regret any decisions I have made in my life, but coming back to BYU was probably not the wisest choice for me. Being back in "the bubble" brought back my anxiety and depression which I suffered through on my mission. Yet again, I had put myself in a location where I was afraid of people finding out who I really was.

I don't really hold any grudges against BYU, but I truly believe that, just like the LDS church, it's not really meant for everybody. It's perfectly fine for some people, just not for me.

As for transferring to another school, I have thought about it a lot, actually. However, I have decided against it. I only have two more semesters until I graduate. I do not want to take the risk of switching schools and losing credits in the process, forcing me to stay in school longer than necessary. I think I can handle BYU for one more year. As much as I do not like attending this school, it is a great academic institution. I like my classes and I learn a lot. A degree from BYU would only enhance my resumé. It would not be a blemish, like so many people seem to think.

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Rev. Dennis: "What is your favorite internet religious organization?"

Oh Dennis, you already know the answer to that.  eGrace International is, hands-down, the best internet religious organization ever created by man!  I am so proud to call myself a card-carrying member of eGrace.  For those who have not heard of the glory that is eGrace, please follow the link above and bask in it's awesome-ness.  Feel free to join - it's free!

(Dennis, was that a good enough plug for ya?)