Disclaimer: I don't claim to be an expert. The stuff in this email could be false. If you use it, use it at your own risk. Also, since about 7/05, I've earnestly tried to keep my large-scale internet presence politically/religiously neutral. Stepping on big toes with such new and powerful technology seems highly incautious in my case.
I did something similar to that. When I was about 21.5, I told the elders in a private meeting that I was leaving the organization. A conversation with them convinced me to stay for a while longer. They even let me keep my position as a Ministerial Servant. After all of this happened, I went to something close to a University for the first time. West Georgia College became the State University of West Georgia around that time. Now it is UWG. Mr. Hester, captain of the debate team, said that the second one looked as if it should be pronounced "sewage" (SUWG). About 7 months after I first attended a "university," in late February, I stopped attending meetings and "witnessing." I was no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses; and, I said so. A while later, an Elder showed up at the front door and asked for a letter of resignation from my position as a "Ministerial Servant." He even coached me on how he wanted it worded. Twice. I gave it to them, as he requested, although the wording was a bit of a stretch. However, note that I told them I was leaving before I ever went to a University; and, I was never counseled about anything, except perhaps a quick discussion when I first told them I was leaving. In all of this, I haven't said why I left; and, I haven't given other people a reason to go or leave, so I feel that I have not sacrificed "neutrality."
The University is a topic I like to talk about! Yes, it was worth it, I think. I did quit a good full-time job to go there; and, I accumulated some student-loan debt; but, I believe that these things were well worth it. Later, I got a much better job as an engineer, which I quit to go back and finish the degree. That SECOND job I shouldn't have quit. Instead, I should have seen a therapist or a psychiatrist about the way my rage flared when anyone, including my boss, seemed to try to manipulate me without my conscious and informed consent. Messed up in the head I was, Yoda say... I don't get so angry when people try to manipulate me now. I just like them less sometimes. :)
I'd be very happy to talk more about my university experience, if you like! I am the "Clinton" listed on this page as a UPE Alumnus:
http://www.cs.westga.edu/UPE/Alumni
Also, that website has pictures of me competing in the 2002 ACM Southeastern Regional Collegiate Programming Contest. I'm posted those on this forum in the following thread on "post your awesomenesss:"
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/103922/1806408/post.ashx#1806408
Overall, I should probably mention that jobs are much more important than I gave them credit for back then; but, I'm still glad that I finished the degree. I just should have tried to finish it more slowly while trying to keep that second job, after getting psychological help.
