hello all--new to board; my story (page 2)

worf

razorMind,

Glad to have you here on the board.
I can relate to everything you said about education.
I was born a j-dub too and although I did good in school, I also went throughout school with no drive and no encouragement and just drifted because of the teachings of the borg about college, armageddon etc.
I'm 40 years old but didn't realize the org was a scam until I was 38.
Never went to college. And I could have been and done a lot more for myself if I had gone.
I want to say that I also feel the pain of a lot of wasted years.
Its not easy. but I am going to go back to college to get my degree.
As one poster mentioned above, "Its never too late"
For example, I went to my nieces graduation from Broome College in Binghamton NY last year and there were men and women graduatiing who were in their 40's 50's, and 60's.
This really encouraged me.I hope this encourages you too.
Also the main speaker made an excellent point which all of us ex-dubs already appreciate.
He was not a witness or an ex-dub but he said this in his speech to the graduating students: "What you do in your life is not between you and an organization. Its between you and your God."
Personally I thought this was the best "Talk" I had ever heard.
Hopefully this will be of encouragement for you to continue your desire to display your talents.
This is one of the best ways to show that the WT is a scam.

worf

oscartheduck

Regarding the higher education, my school was pressing for me to apply to Oxford and Cambridge, but I never did because of my parents.

============================
The Watchtower, April 15, 1928, p. 126 "As every one knows, there are mistakes in the Bible "

LisaK

Hi there! I'm a "newbie" to the forum and I enjoyed your bio very much. I wasn't raised in "the truth", but I can relate to nearly every line. I joined when I was 20 with my now ex-husband. I remember wishing I could go to college as I was not too long out of high school. But, alas-a "loving" elder in the congregation said I should set my sights on Bethel service with my then-husband. HA! What an absolute waste of 10 years. The time is gone, can't get it back. Gotta look forward to the future. I'm STILL trying to clear my head of the cobwebs after being out of the organization about 5-6 years. Blessings and prayers to you as you climb your mountain, He won't give you any more than you can bear.

Richie

Razor...
Thanks so much for your heartwarming story which rings so similar to most of us. Education with the WT is a delicate thing - college or higher learning is not desirable, since "the end is so near at hand" as they always say. I see another angle here which in my view is one more reason - apart from the excuse that "your mind will be polluted if you go to college" - why the WT does not want you to further your education. It is another way to keep you in the Borg, because if you leave the truth then out in the world without any education you will do worse than in the organization. They figure that inside the organization you can always get help from your brothers and sisters or be given a menial job, so you're not out in the cold. So if you leave, then they always can say "look at so and so, he is doing worse" - why? - "because he left the truth and does not have Jehovah's blessing anymore"
Razor, do not despair - I know it may be hard in the beginning to get adjusted to a "new" life, but rest assured you will receive so much support here on this board, as you will meet many who have had similar experiences and succeeded in making a better and happier life for themselves. As was mentioned earlier on, we are never too old to learn and in your case - you're still relatively young - just continue to study and complete a college education or similar. It doesn't matter how long it takes to finish schooling, you just follow your natural ambition and focus on that - if you like arts, then just do it and nobody can stop you. As a result you will be a much happier person and also be able to help others accomplish their dreams. Additionally you will gain real friends who are capable of showing genuine care and love rather than the plastic love which eminates from the Borg...
Welcome to this board Razor and from now on, things will get better as you have already started your journey to success by moving forward to the accomplishment of your dream or ultimate goal and that way you'll be reaping a harvest of fulfillment and joy!

Take care...

Richie :*)

jschwehm

Hi-

I can relate to your entire story. I did well in school but was "encouraged" (actually pressured with the threat of being disowned) to pioneer. Eventually, I realized that the only way I would
be able to experience life somewhat on my own without being disowned was to go to Bethel. In any case, I spent a year at Bethel and
that was the beginning of the end for me.

If you are interested in reading the rest of my story you can visit
the following website:
http://www.jwfiles.com/jws-leaving/jeff-schwehm.htm

and if you would like to talk email me anytime at

[email protected]

God's blessings to you,

Jeff S.

worf

To Richie:

A M E N !

worf

To Richie:

A M E N .

worf

JBean

Welcome all newbies! I appreciate your tale Razor and also everyone else who has recently posted with their stories. It is really remarkable how much we all have in common. Razor... definitely find a way to go back to school... for a degree or even a certificate program. It will take time but it will be worth it. I, too, am 40 and was raised in the truth. I just registered for Spring semester at a local university... I'm going to do it no matter how long it takes! I forget who on this thread took 9 + years for his/her degree! Bravo! I'm following your footsteps! Jbean

AlanF

You're certainly experiencing the usual emotions that a bright person feels after realizing what a mind-numbing thing the JW religion is and how the religion has raked them over the coals. Being 31, you went through your normal college years just before the Society lightened up considerably about going to college. In the last 2-3 years, though, they tightened up again.

Many people on this board and elsewhere went to college later in life than the usual age. I worked crap jobs until I wised up and went to school at age 27. It was four years of hard work, but it paid off in spades. A friend of mine quit the JWs and started college in her late 50s.

You still have time to go to college, if you really want to. There are plenty of scholarships and grants around, but you have to do a lot of legwork to find them. It sounds like you're female and of mixed race, and from what I've seen you should be able to find a lot of help.

About art school, if you go you need to seriously consider commercial art. Fine art is great, but it hardly ever pays the bills. I know people who took years of fine art oriented courses and ended up never being able to find work, whereas the commercial art people are usually in demand.

AlanF

Billygoat

Welcome all you newbies! There are so many lately!

I'm 30 and still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Yes, I wished I started earlier, but better late than never. I remember complaining to my grandmother one time that I'd never have a university degree. She asked me this:

"If you don't go to college and get a degree, how old will you be in four years?"

"34"

If you do do to college and get a degree, how old will you be in four years?"

She made me realize that either way I was going to grow old. I might as well do it having accomplished something.

Andi

hello all--new to board; my story

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